ClassesGrade 12Lesson 7

One Body, Many Christians, Many Faiths

The Church seeks unity among all Christians and respectful dialogue with other religions, while joyfully witnessing to Christ.

Believe 15 minutes CCC 817–822, 836–848, 2104–2109

Read the story

Jesus praying at the Last Supper, with a circle of Christians of many traditions joining hands in the light: “That they may all be one.” — On the night before He died, Jesus prayed for His followers “that they may all be one.” Yet Christians today are divided into many churches and communities. The Second Vatican Council said that this division openly contradicts Christ's will and harms the preaching of the Gospel.

Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians praying together in a church during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. — Ecumenism is the work for unity among Christians. Its heart is spiritual: conversion, holiness of life and praying together, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity each January. It also includes dialogue between theologians, serving the poor together, and recognizing all that we share: Baptism, the Scriptures, and faith in the Trinity and in Christ.

An Orthodox church and a Protestant chapel on either side of a Catholic church, joined by a single path: real differences, but one Baptism. — The Orthodox Churches are closest to us, with valid sacraments and bishops in apostolic succession. Protestant communities share Baptism and a deep love for Scripture. Real differences remain, about authority, the sacraments, Mary and more. Unity does not mean pretending that differences don't matter, but seeking the truth together in love.

A Catholic teenager, a Jewish friend wearing a kippah and a Muslim friend in a headscarf talking warmly together on the school steps. — The Jewish people have a unique place. God's covenant with them has never been revoked; Jesus, Mary and the apostles were Jewish; and Christians share with them the Scriptures of Israel. The Church condemns antisemitism in every form. With Muslims, Catholics share faith in the one God, Creator of heaven and earth, and honor for Abraham, for Mary and for a life of prayer.

Four symbols of other faiths in four circles, a star of David, a crescent, a lotus and a wheel, around a cross shining with light: what is true and holy, and Christ the fullness. — The Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in other religions, such as the Hindu search for God or the Buddhist recognition that this changing world cannot satisfy us. She respects every person's religious freedom: no one may be forced to believe. At the same time, she proclaims that Jesus Christ is “the way, and the truth, and the life,” in whom all people find the fullness of religious life.

Two friends of different faiths serving meals side by side at a food bank, talking and laughing: dialogue begins in friendship. — Dialogue and mission go together. We listen with respect, learn from others and work with them for peace and justice, and we also share our faith joyfully. The best place to start is friendship: know what you believe, be curious about what your friends believe, and let your love for Jesus show.

Catechism: CCC 817–822, 836–848, 2104–2109Scripture: John 17:20–23 · Acts 17:22–31 · 1 Timothy 2:3–6

Words to know

Tap a card to flip it

Keep this in your heart

I work and pray for Christian unity, respect people of every faith, and joyfully share Jesus.

Say it out loud three times. Tap a circle each time!

Quiz

What did Jesus pray for at the Last Supper?
Answer: That His followers may all be one
What is ecumenism?
Answer: The work and prayer for unity among Christians
Which Churches are closest to the Catholic Church in sacraments and apostolic succession?
Answer: The Orthodox Churches
What does the Church teach about God's covenant with the Jewish people?
Answer: It has never been revoked
May anyone be forced to believe?
Answer: No, every person has religious freedom

Pray & do

Lord Jesus Christ, at Your Last Supper You prayed that all may be one. Heal the divisions among Christians, give us respect and friendship for people of every faith, and make us joyful witnesses of Your love, so that the world may believe. Amen.

Activity

Talk with a friend or neighbor from another Christian tradition or another religion about what their faith means to them. Listen more than you speak. Afterward, write what you learned and what you have in common.

Family corner

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18–25), pray together each day for unity. If you can, attend an ecumenical prayer service in your town.