The Unity of the Body of Christ Experiencing the Peace of God Together with All Creation

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Oikoumene Month is a meaningful moment for churches in Indonesia to once again reflect on their calling as one body in Christ. The unity of the church is both a gift and a calling from God, enabling the church to transcend differences in denomination, ethnicity, and culture, and to become a sign of Christ’s love in a divided world. This unity can only be realized when the church places Jesus Christ as the Head and lives under His guidance and power.

Unity is not uniformity, but harmony in diversity. Each church has its uniqueness, yet all are united by the love of Christ as one body. Every member carries out their calling and role, so that unity becomes visible in shared life.

In light of this calling to unity, the Word of God in Isaiah 42:10 invites all creation to glorify God:
“Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.”

This call affirms that praise to God involves not only humanity, but all creation—the seas, the islands, and everything in them. The peace of God is not experienced only by humans, but by all creation.

Therefore, the church is called to experience and embody the peace of God together with all creation. The church must not limit this peace only to itself, but must embrace life in harmony with nature—the seas, the land, plants, and all living beings.

This is the fullness of unity: not only unity among churches, but also a harmonious relationship with all of God’s creation.

In celebrating the 76th anniversary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), churches are invited to become more aware of Indonesia’s context as an archipelagic nation. The seas and islands are not merely geographical backgrounds, but spaces of life and ministry. Therefore, the fellowship, witness, and service of the church must reach out to and care for the seas and all they contain as part of the responsibility of faith.

By caring for creation, the church participates in bringing the peace of God to the whole cosmos—the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all creatures that glorify Him. Here, the unity of the Body of Christ finds its broader meaning: the church is united not only within itself, but also walks together with all creation in the peace of God.

This is our ecumenical calling: to walk together, care for the earth, strive for justice, and embody God’s love for all creation, so that a new song to the Lord may resound throughout the whole earth.

May we be strengthened as one Body of Christ that lives in love, walks in peace, and works together with all creation to bring forth the peace of God on earth.

Finally, we invite all churches to celebrate the 76th anniversary of PGI with open hearts to experience His peace, while together with all creation proclaim: “Sing to the LORD a new song...” (Isaiah 42:10).

With greetings and prayers,
On behalf of the Daily Executive Board of PGI

Rev. Jacklevyn F. Manuputty
Chairperson

Rev. Darwin Darmawan
General Secretary