Christians in Goa Observe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Goa, Jan 27, 2026: Christians from various denominations gathered at the All India Mission Seminary of the Society of Pilar on January 25 to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity through an ecumenical fellowship programme.

Centred on the theme, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4), the gathering highlighted the shared Christian call to unity, dialogue and mutual respect.

Addressing the assembly, Mathew Samuel, IAS (retd), of the St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, Santa Cruz, emphasised the need for solidarity among Christians in India. He said unity was essential for the community to stand together beyond differences of denomination, language or ethnicity, noting that unity in diversity remains a foundational value of the nation.

Reflecting on Christian identity, Dr. James Samuel of the Brethren Assembly observed that while churches may differ in traditions and heritage, they are united by one Lord, one faith and a common hope in Christ. He underlined that unity does not imply uniformity or unanimity.

Norman Almeida, Rector of the All India Mission Seminary, stressed the urgent need to strengthen fellowship and unity within the Church, particularly in the present social context. Participants described the programme as spiritually enriching. Dr. Ida Mukherjee of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Taleigao, said the evening of prayer, singing and sharing was inspiring and deeply meaningful. Rev. Pradeep Kumar of the Panjim Methodist Church noted that the shared moments of worship helped participants recognise one another as brothers and sisters united in Christ. Daniel Sinu Kurian of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church termed the fellowship a memorable and grace-filled experience.

The gathering witnessed participation from leaders and members of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, St. Thomas Marthoma Syrian Church, the Methodist Church, Brethren Assembly, Rupantaran Fellowship Church, Tangkhul Baptist Church and the North-East Baptist Church, reflecting the rich diversity of the Christian community in Goa.