"Reconciliation-the Love of Christ Compels Us"

Each year, the week of January 18-January 25 is commemorated around the world as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Churches in a different country are tapped to produce ecumenical resources for the world to use. For 2017, it was the churches of Germany who offered the theme and the resources. Noting the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, so central in Germany, the materials focus on both the justification of humanity through grace alone, and the pain of the division of churches.
The theme verse is from 2 Corinthians 5:14: "For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died." Thomas Stubenrauch wrote a hymn for use in the Week of Prayer, and Neville Williamson translated it:

O Lord, for everyone on earth/your Father heart is burning.
Though we think we are nothing worth/you long for our returning.
For each who now from sin released/we celebrate a joyful feast:
The love of Christ compels us!
 
Our night was lightened by the Son,/and through his incarnation
New peace with God for us he won/and reconciliation.
"Come to me," from the cross he cries,/"and with me from the grave arise!"
The love of Christ compels us.
 
Wherever others are in need,/we see in them our Savior
And testify in word and deed,/ serve him with our behavior.
We show that we to Christ belong/and bid them join us in this song:
The love of Christ compels us!
 
Lord, overcome the pain and strife/that our accord once ended.
Renew our hearts with holy life;/let unity be mended-
A witness to the human race/to your great love and saving grace.
The love of Christ compels us!
 
The theme of unity is particularly appropriate this year, not only for churches, but also for our country, as we find ways to live together and move on from the rancor of the election and post-election season. As Christians we are called to seek unity with other Christians. That starts in our own congregations, in our own communities. We may not agree on everything in the political realm, but we are still called to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of who they are and what their commitments are.
 
It is my hope that church can be a place where unity has a chance, where it can grow and spread out into the society. The love of Christ compels us.
 
Jessica Crist, Bishop