Events
“United witness is the heart of the Christian Mission”: Bishop Henry D’Souza
BELLARY, 18 Jan 2023:

“United witness of all is the heart of Christian Mission; hence a priority for all Christians,” declared Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary.

Bishop Henry D’Souza was addressing a well attended ecumenical prayer meeting held Jan.18 at Shalom AG Church, organized by the United Christian Forum (UCF) of Bellary.

“Divisions among Christians are a counter witness and even a scandal. Unity was a major concern of Jesus. Therefore, he earnestly prayed that all those who believe in him be united so that the world, seeing the unity of Christians, would accept him,” stated Bishop D’Souza, the president of UCF.

Speaking on the theme for this year: “Do good; seek justice” (Is 1:17), Bishop urged at all Christians to heed the call of the prophet Isaiah: “Learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

“It is goodness, justice and compassion which will bind Christians of diverse denominations to serve united with credibility and relevance,” Bishop insisted.

Reminding the “courageous and selfless service rendered by the Good Samaritan to his wounded neighbor immortalised him. The cry for healing touch and justice by the suffering humanity, offers an excellent opportunity to Christians to bear united witness” Bishop added.

Earlier the local pastor Prabhakar welcome, Fr Ivan Pinto introduced the theme and pastor Naveenmurthy, CSI, gave reflections on the word of God.

To mark the occasion, the United Christian Forum of Bellary has planned ecumenical prayer services in the following places:

Jan. 18: Shalom AG Church, Vidyanagar, Ballari
Jan. 22: Holy Trinity Church (Eng), Fort, Ballari
Jan. 25: St. Anthony’s Cathedral, Cowl Bazaar

All the parish priests, religious communities and pastors have been requested to sensitize their communities, organize ecumenical prayer meetings locally and encourage Christians to pray for unity.