On 23 January 2008, ministers from the Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic churches gathered at Church of the Risen Christ (CRC) to celebrate the "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" (see box for list of participating ministers and churches).

This event is part of a global ecumenical movement to encourage Christians to live out their God-given unity in Christ through prayer, and to promote greater dialogue among churches and Christian communities.

This year’s theme was "Pray Without Ceasing", which perhaps was appropriate.

As the movement celebrates its 100th anniversary, the theme highlights to Christians to never stop praying as prayer is an integral part of their lives as well as a way of seeking unity among Christian communities.

In his homily, Fr Louis Loiseau stressed the importance of praying consistently. A continual dialogue with God opens our hearts to God’s prompting to translate the Christian faith into actions of love.

Through love, Christians gradually become more open to more dialogue with one another toward greater unity that comes from God.

To live out this will of God takes a spirit of perseverance and willingness and a greater awareness about this ecumenical movement is a key contributing factor to building up this spirit.

"Christians in Singapore have been very quiet about ecumenism. There should be more activities, such as bible study and praying together," said Anthony Yeo from River Life, an evangelical independent church and member of the National Council of Churches.

Of the 2 nights dedicated to the event, the other was held at Barker Road Methodist Church on 21 January 2008.