Anglican Communion secretary general offers Christmas message of peace and unity
[Anglican Communion News Service] The Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, has issued the following Christmas message.
My dear brothers and sisters, on behalf of everyone at the Anglican Communion Office, I send you warm greetings in Christ.
It is a joy to serve the Anglican Communion. This year, I’ve had the privilege of visiting several of your communities around the globe. In many places, the church is thriving. I am deeply encouraged by your ministry, hospitality and faithful witness. You are fulfilling the purpose for which Jesus was born: to bring the good news of salvation to the world.
At this time, many of you are serving in places of conflict or challenge. I think especially of our Christian family in places like South Sudan, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Israel and the Gaza strip, among others. I think of those in Hong Kong affected by fires, or those in Sri Lanka impacted by flooding. As you seek to support your communities, be assured of our ongoing prayers and solidarity.
This year, Christians marked the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, the council that gave us the Nicene Creed. That creed affirms the central beliefs we share across so many church traditions. It connects us — across cultures, centuries and continents — reminding us that Christ calls his church to be one.
In recent days, we’ve seen this call to unity powerfully embodied by Pope Leo XIV from the Catholic Church and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I from the Orthodox Church. During an ecumenical pilgrimage in Turkey, they signed a joint declaration, reaffirming a commitment to work toward the unity of their churches. In doing so, they modelled the same spirit of reconciliation that guided the church fathers at Nicaea 17 centuries ago. They also made a strong appeal for peace, urging global leaders to end the tragedy of war.
At Christmas, their declaration challenges us to remember that Christian unity must always bear fruit in our witness to the world. The book of Isaiah tells us, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
As we prepare for Christmas and celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, may we continue to walk closer together as Christians. May we share the hope of Christ with a hurting world. And may we work tirelessly for the peace that only he can bring.
Amen.
