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Rev. Jackie Makena, a cleric from the Methodist Church of Kenya, was speaking on the significance of the week in advancing the cause of vulnerable groups, such as refugees, internally displaced people, and marginalized individuals in communities.
“When unity is expressed through justice, hospitality, and advocacy, it becomes a powerful instrument for transforming lives,” said the young theologian in an interview. “By praying together across denominational lines, churches publicly affirm solidarity that transcends borders, thereby nurturing compassion for those forced to cross borders unwillingly.”
The ecumenical nature of the week encourages action, she added.
“When the churches work together, they are better positioned to advocate for justice, influence public policy, and mobilize resources for vulnerable populations.”
According to Makena, last year’s celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea have been used by many Christian leaders and communities to renew the focus on unity.
Churches in Africa are joining the worldwide event, which is occurring under the theme “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.”
In Kenya, the celebrations have spread across the country due to the contribution of the international ecumenical movement, according to Fr Innocent Halerimana Maganya, a lecturer at Tangaza Catholic University in Nairobi.
The priest — a prominent figure in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism— said the movement has been taking materials from the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for the Christian Unity, localizing them before giving them out as a tool for pastors to invite others for common fellowship.
“There are now ecumenical prayers in some areas where they celebrate for the whole week, moving from one church to another,” said Maganya. “Anglicans and the Catholics in the South B area in Nairobi now have a long tradition, where they open in one church and close the week in the other's church.”
On Palm Sunday, the denominations open with the blessing of the palms together and then take a procession with the palms back to their own churches, according to the priest.
At the same time, Fr Paul Daniel, a priest in charge of the Orthodox Cathedral in Valley Road, Nairobi, said the prayers for unity, which are held every year, were an attempt by churches to bring unity in the Christian message.
“There is always the question why we don't have the same way of praying together, the same way of coming together and the same way of worship,” said Daniel, describing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as a deliberate intention to do things together and show unity to the whole world.
“This unity is usually portrayed during the week of prayer in January each year.”
Orthodox and Catholic churches in Kenya have been inviting each other for joint meetings during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, where they pray and share their traditions.
Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026
