by Margaret Anthony

President, Keighley Churches Together

THE Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual event celebrated internationally.

It normally takes place during the week beginning January 18.

Different themes are focussed on each year, and for 2018 the subject is That all may be free.

What will 2018 hold for us both locally, nationally and worldwide?

Abuses of human rights, human trafficking and modern-day slavery continue to be huge issues in the world today.

Addiction to pornography, gambling, alcohol and drugs are serious challenges to all societies.

The debt crisis has a negative impact upon the nations and upon individuals – the economies of many nations and people have become precarious.

Injustice and political power struggles have meant that many innocent people have been exposed to violence and displacement. Family life continues to be challenged and many individuals have lost all hope.

Christian churches, along with others, are seeking to work together to heal the wounds in society and to be agents of the reconciling love of God for His world. Much prayer is needed.

With this in mind, Keighley Churches Together has organised gatherings at different venues and times during the week.

They are: next Thursday, Keighley Shared Church, at noon, followed by lunch together at The Welcome Cafe if desired; Saturday, January 20, at Christharvest, Airedale Business Centre, Lawkholme Lane, Keighley, 10am, and Wednesday, January 24, at St Anne’s Catholic Centre, Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley, 7.30pm.

We would love to welcome you to one or more of these events.

The meetings will only last about half an hour and will be led by a member of the host church, to be followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Do feel free to come and join us.