Church in Angola Concludes Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Calls for Visible Efforts Towards Togetherness

Uíje, 29 January, 2025 / 9:22 PM

Bishop Joaquim Nhanganga Tyombe of the Catholic Diocese of Uije has underscored the importance of unity in faith, witness, and good works for Christian life.

Speaking at an Ecumenical service to mark the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 25, Bishop Tyombe called on Christians from various denominations to make visible efforts toward unity.

“Unity in faith, witness, and good works is essential for Christian life,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the service that was held at the Our Lady of Conception Cathedral of Uije Diocese.

He urged Christians to make unity visible in their daily actions, saying, “Unity must be evident in everything we do as Christians—in our love, service, and actions toward others. It should not be an abstract concept but a concrete practice reflected in charity, forgiveness, dialogue, and mutual understanding.”

Bishop Tyombe highlighted the historical significance of unity among Christians, saying, “We have been striving for the unity of all believers in God, who created and saves us, for the past 1,700 years.”

Addressing Catholic Priests and pastors from different denominations, he said, “I urge us to unite as Christians to combat all manifestations of evil—envy, hatred, theft, and violence. Our identity must be marked by service, witness, good works, and charity.”

Drawing from Scripture, Bishop Tyombe emphasized the interconnectedness of Christians within the body of Christ. 

“The unity of the Church reflects the truth that we are all members of one body. In Christ, the barriers that divide us—cultural, racial, or social—must be overcome because we are all one in Him,” he said.

Quoting St. Paul’s teaching, the Catholic Church leader noted, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized in one Spirit into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free. And we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”

Bishop Tyombe emphasized that true unity goes beyond theological concepts. 

“Unity must be practiced daily, reflected in our attitudes and actions,” he said, adding, “It not only draws us closer to God but also helps us build a harmonious society founded on Christian values like peace, justice, and reconciliation.”

Reflecting on the nature of Christian love, the 55-year-old Catholic Priest said, “Love that lacks unity is not love. Love that does not embrace life, forgiveness, understanding, and dialogue is not love. True Christian love rejects corruption, injustice, exclusion, misinformation, lies, and defamation.”

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Tyombe exhorted all Christians to embody a love that builds unity and strengthens faith.

“Let us love one another to the end—a love that heals, uplifts, and transforms both individuals and communities,” he said.