Between September 18th and 21st, the “Somos Um” week (Portuguese for “We Are One”) was celebrated in Rio de Janeiro with the theme of Romans 5:5 “Hope does not disappoint” in communion with the Jubilee Year and in the context of the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. Together they were maintaining the recent tradition of bringing together Christians from all over to have an immersive experience in the style of dialogue sustained among Christians in the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
Friday morning (September 19th) was marked by an immersive experience in the “Spiritual Café,” an activity that has been running for 13 years and has been held in various churches and Christian communities, among other spaces. This time, the Coração Novo Community was the host. The program included time for praise, sharing of testimonies, prayer, and a shared breakfast. Attending with Bishop Bill Pezzutti were Father Maicon (Parish Vicar of Our Lady of the Conception Parish – Eng. Novo), and Episcopal Vicar and Pastor Aldo Solto, who delivered a message to those present on behalf of the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, as well as Pastor Leandro of the 1st Baptist Church of Sampaio, who was participating in the activity for the first time and shared his joy in being with his brothers.
On Saturday, September 20th, the Conference continued, moderated by evangelical theologian Mayara Pazeto and Catholic leader Alexandre Assunção. It was marked by profound moments of praise and prayer led by the MSU worship ministry, sharing groups, and three sessions of preaching. The opening remarks were given by Izaias Carneiro (Founder and President of the New Heart Church, a reference for Unity in the Brazilian Communion Service of CHARIS and a member of the International Service) and Pastor Silas Esteves (Founder/President of the Bethesda Ministry and President of the Council of Christian Churches of Rio de Janeiro – Conic-Rio).
In another significant moment, Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, O.Cist., Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, and Bishop Abner Ferreira, President of the Assembly of God – Madureira Ministry, met together and emphasized the importance of the path of unity within the Body of Christ in a polarized society. At the end of their speech, they were joined by Anglican Bishop Bill Pezutti of Florida, USA. The three prayed for and blessed the new leadership of the Somos Um Mission.
The original article from Vatican News (in Portuguese) can be found here.
