Catch up TV

Christian Unity

To mark the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Sean Fletcher visits one of the largest gatherings of Christian church denominations in Europe. Organised by Churches Together in England, the conference brings together leaders from different church traditions, including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Orthodox, and many more.\n\nSean speaks to attendees to discover how this annual event, held since 1990, has fostered unity among Christians across England. As well as celebrating togetherness, the conference provides a forum for Christians to discuss their differences and work together to tackle the challenges of the day. The chair of Churches Together, Bishop Mike Royal, shares his personal story, and Sean meets Paulina Hlawiczka-Trotman, a Lutheran who left her homeland of Poland for the UK to pursue her calling to the priesthood. She paved the way for other women, becoming the first ever female Polish bishop of the Protestant Church.\n\nWe also hear the inspiring story of Jenny Sinclair, daughter of former Anglican bishop of Liverpool David Sheppard, who in the 1970s pioneered an ecumenical partnership with Catholic archbishop Derek Worlock. In a time of deep religious division, the two leaders worked hand in hand to build bridges between the Catholic and Anglican communities. Jenny shares how she was inspired to build on that legacy through her charity Together for the Common Good.\n\nWith hymns and music from congregations across the UK, celebrating Christian unity, and a special performance of Stormzy’s Blinded by Your Grace from Katherine Jenkins.

Source: BBC 1