The journey towards Christian unity is far from over, and the path ahead is not an easy one. However, this year there is much to celebrate, and Travelling Together 2017 is one event that will highlight our many steps forward.
Travelling Together 2017 will draw Christians of all ages, churches and backgrounds from across the world, to share a vibrant and living experience of ecumenism.
The gathering marks two important anniversaries: the 5th Centenary of the Lutheran Reformation, and the 50th Anniversary of the Focolare’s first encounters with Patriarch Athenagoras of Istanbul. Many Church leaders have encouraged Christians this year to “bear witness together to faith in Jesus Christ”.
The week-long event will trace the theme of Jesus Forsaken, who in his cry of abandonment on the cross, unites Heaven and earth. In the spirituality of the Focolare movement, it is through Him that we find the key to unity.
Based at the Focolare Movement’s International Conference Centre on Lake Albano, on the outskirts of Rome, the programme will include projects and stories from Christians of various churches, with many opportunities for dialogue and sharing. There will also be visits to Rome for the general audience with Pope Francis, and a moment of ecumenical prayer for unity in the catacombs.
In sharing this experience of seeking unity together, learning from the richness of our various traditions, we hope to encourage each other to keep travelling towards our destination – “that all may be one”.
More information for anyone who is interested in joining a group travelling from GB.
