From the Times-Tribune: Christian leaders gather at prayer service for unity

Leaders of Christian faiths from throughout the region gathered in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton on Tuesday to sing, pray and talk together about strengthening bonds across denominations.

The annual ecumenical prayer service marked the end of the international Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – a period meant to inspire reflection and dedication to the beliefs and mission Christians share.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, bishop of the [R.C.] Diocese of Scranton, said in his homily for the prayer service that such shows of unity should not be easy, hollow or temporary, especially because the “challenges to Christian unity” are “many” and “real.”

“We need to change our prayer, asking God to change us so that we may actively work for unity,” he said. “We are ready enough to pray for unity, but prayer alone can become a comfortable substitute for action.”

In an emotional moment, Bishop Bambera invoked instances when such unity was evident, including at a funeral last week for a Holy Cross High School student killed in a car crash that drew families and religious leaders of many faiths to St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral, where the student was a member.

Tuesday’s prayer service included leaders of many faiths gathered in pews at the front of the cathedral and in chairs lining the altar.

Music, including an opening song with the refrain “all are welcome in this place,” was provided by students from the LaSalle Academy liturgical choir, and a collection was donated to the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and the homeless shelter at Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Prayers, readings and a litany of petitions for unity were presented by leaders of Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Polish National Catholic, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches in the region, as well as the Rev. Dave Twiss of the Green Ridge Assembly of God and Maj. Bea Connell of the Salvation Army.