Church Leadership Shifts, Global Prayer Initiatives, and Calls for Healing Define Week 1 of 2025

The Church’s major objectives revolved around Fostering Peace,

Addressing National Challenges, Strengthening Spiritual Resilience, and Preparing for a Future of Growth and Recovery.

In Year 2025, Week 1 starts on Monday, December 30, 2024,

and ends on Sunday, January 5, 2025, according to the ISO 8601 standard.

This standard designates Week 1 as the week containing the first Thursday of the year.

In the first week of 2025, significant developments occurred within the global Christian community,

encompassing leadership transitions, spiritual initiatives, and celebrations amid challenges.

These events reflect a period of significant transition, spiritual mobilization,

and community focus within the global Christian landscape as the new year begins.

Church Leadership Shifts, Global Prayer Initiatives, and Calls for Healing Define Week 1 of 2025

Archbishop of Canterbury’s Resignation:

Justin Welby officially concluded his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury following his resignation over handling of abuse scandals. https://apnews.com

His departure has initiated a complex selection process for his successor,

emphasizing the need for a leader who is godly, unifying, and humble, capable of managing extensive bureaucracy effectively. 

New Archbishop of Washington, D.C.:

Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, known for his progressive views and criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as the new Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

This appointment reflects the Pope’s desire for a more liberal U.S. episcopate. 

RCCG 100-Day Fast in Nigeria:

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), declared a 100-day fasting period themed ‘RCCG FAST 2025’ for Nigeria’s turnaround.

Commencing on January 11 and concluding on April 21, 2025,

the first 30 days are dedicated to praying for Nigeria, with the aim of fostering peace and national restoration. 

Year of Recovery and Healing:

Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure of Throne Room Trust Ministry in Kafanchan, Nigeria, proclaimed 2025 as a year of recovery and healing.

During the ministry’s annual crossover service, he emphasized the new year as a season for building visions and embracing fresh opportunities,

encouraging intentional giving and positive impact on the less privileged. 

Church Leadership Shifts, Global Prayer Initiatives, and Calls for Healing Define Week 1 of 2025

Year of Dominion Declaration:

The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, during its 22nd-anniversary celebration in Lagos, Nigeria, declared 2025 as ‘a year of dominion’ for the nation.

General Overseer Lazarus Muoka urged Nigerians to avoid sin and seek God’s righteousness,

expressing hope for national prosperity and divine intervention in the country’s challenges. 

New Parish in Sydney, Australia:

St Luke’s Catholic Community in Marsden Park was officially recognized as a parish on January 1, 2025.

Led by Fr. Gayan Thamel, the young and diverse parish plans to build a new hall and a permanent church to accommodate its growing congregation. 

Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas Amid Challenges:

Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia celebrated Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar, amid natural calamities and ongoing conflicts.

Patriarch Abune Mathias emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation in his Christmas Eve message,

as regions like Amhara and Oromia continue to experience clashes affecting millions. 

Demolition Near Historic Church in Georgia, USA:

Macon, Georgia, planned to ring in 2025 with the implosion of a long-vacant 16-story hotel near the historic Christ Episcopal Church.

The church expressed concerns about potential damage from the explosion, highlighting the need for cautious planning to protect nearby properties. 

Also Read: A World United in Celebration: – Diademng

Church Leadership Shifts, Global Prayer Initiatives, and Calls for Healing Define Week 1 of 2025