Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change:

Pope’s Call for Housing Justice, Anglican Leadership Reforms, and Global Jubilee Preparations

In the year 2025, Week 2 covers the period from Monday, January 6, 2025, to Sunday, January 12, 2025.

During the second week of January 2025, several significant events and developments occurred within the global Christian community, including notable occurrences in Africa.

Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change:

For Week 2 of 2025, the major focus of the church across the world appears to center on three key themes: 

1. Preparations for the Holy Year (Jubilee) 2025

The Catholic Church is actively preparing for the Holy Year, with Pope Francis emphasizing spiritual renewal and addressing societal needs, such as housing justice in Rome.

Jubilee Years traditionally serve as a time of forgiveness, reconciliation, and pilgrimage, drawing millions of faithful globally.

2. Unity and Leadership Reform

Efforts to promote Christian unity and adapt to modern challenges were prominent, as highlighted by:

• The announcement of Pope Francis’s visit to Turkey for the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, symbolizing efforts toward ecumenical dialogue.
• Discussions within the Anglican Communion about adopting a rotating leadership model, signaling a shift toward inclusivity and addressing post-colonial dynamics.

3. Local and Global Community Impact

Churches around the world are implementing initiatives to address local challenges:

• The launch of monthly Eucharistic adoration in Angola as part of Jubilee preparations.
• Community-focused programs, such as addressing homelessness and rising living costs in urban centers like New York and Rome.

In essence, the church’s global focus during this period revolves around spiritual renewal, fostering unity, and addressing social issues,

reflecting its mission to adapt and serve communities worldwide.

Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change:

Global Church News:

Closure of Riverside Church’s Preschool:

The Weekday School at Riverside Church, a century-old preschool in New York City known for its inclusivity and social justice mission,

is facing permanent closure in June due to declining enrollment and financial deficits.

Despite community efforts to save the school, the church’s council is focusing on other community services,

leading to concerns about the loss of this historic institution. https://www.newyorker.com  

Potential Canonization of Clare Crockett:

A delegation from the Catholic Church is set to visit Ireland to evaluate the potential canonization of Clare Crockett,

a former actress from Derry who became a nun and tragically died at 33 during an earthquake in Ecuador.

If successful, she would become Ireland’s first saint in 50 years. https://www.thetimes.co.uk

Peterborough Cathedral’s Financial Crisis:

Peterborough Cathedral in the UK is at risk of becoming the first part-time cathedral if it fails to raise £300,000 by March.

Facing escalating costs and significant financial challenges, the cathedral may need to close its doors on certain days, impacting its community services and historical presence.

Celebration of the Black Christ of Esquipulas:

In Worthington, Minnesota, hundreds of Guatemalan faithful celebrated their largest festival in honor of the Black Christ of Esquipulas.

Despite fears of impending immigration policy changes in the U.S.,

the community organized a mass and traditional barefoot dance, expressing gratitude and nostalgia while reinforcing their cultural identity. https://apnews.com

Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change:

Church News in Africa:

-Appointment of New Mission Leaders:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the appointment of 18 new mission presidents and their companions across Africa.

These leaders will commence their three-year service in July 2025,

serving in various countries including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa,

Botswana, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. https://news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org

Sierra Leone to Host 2025 Strengthening Families Conference:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that Freetown, Sierra Leone, will host the 2025 Strengthening Families Conference.

This international, interfaith event brings together family experts and performers to promote quality family and marriage support.

The conference is scheduled for June 2025.

Prophetic Declarations for Nigeria:

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

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

encouraging leaders to guide Nigeria on a path of recovery and healing. https://tribuneonlineng.com 

Angola’s Archdiocese Initiates Monthly Eucharistic Adoration:

In preparation for the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of Luanda, Angola,

announced that the last Sunday of each month will be dedicated to Eucharistic adoration in all parishes.

This initiative aims to deepen the spiritual lives of the faithful and foster a closer relationship with Christ.

Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change:

Furthermore, During the second week of January 2025, several significant church-related events and announcements occurred across Europe, Asia, and America:

Europe:

Papal Visit to Turkey Announced:

Pope Francis confirmed plans to visit Iznik, Turkey, in 2025 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.

This historic event, held in 325 AD, was pivotal in defining foundational Christian doctrines.

The Pope is expected to be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, underscoring efforts toward Christian unity.

Re-evaluation of Anglican Leadership Structure:

Proposals emerged suggesting that the Archbishop of Canterbury may no longer serve as the head of the global Anglican Communion, which comprises 85 million members.

The proposed rotating leadership among Anglican archbishops worldwide aims to reflect a “post-colonial” approach and address internal divisions over issues such as LGBTQ+ rights.

Asia:

Pope Urges Rome’s Church to Address Housing Crisis:

In anticipation of the Holy Year in 2025, Pope Francis called upon the Diocese of Rome to utilize available church properties to alleviate the city’s growing housing crisis.

He emphasized offering accommodations to the homeless and those facing eviction due to rising rents, especially with the expected influx of over 30 million pilgrims.

America:

Closure of Riverside Church’s Preschool:

The Weekday School at Riverside Church, a century-old preschool in New York City known for its inclusivity and social justice mission,

is facing permanent closure in June due to declining enrollment and financial deficits.

Despite community efforts to save the school, the church’s council is focusing on other community services,

leading to concerns about the loss of this historic institution.

Expansion of the New Apostolic Reformation:

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a radical movement within American Christianity, has been gaining prominence.

Supportive of former President Donald Trump, NAR emphasizes dominionism, advocating for Christians to influence key societal spheres.

This movement has significantly impacted American politics, merging religious fervor with political agendas.

These events highlight the dynamic and evolving role of the church in addressing contemporary issues and fostering spiritual growth across different regions.

Also Read: Church Leadership Shifts, Global Prayer Initiatives, and Calls for Healing Define Week 1 of 2025 – Diademng

Week 2 of 2025 – Churches Worldwide Embrace Change: