Prayers for Ecumenical Leaders

At each Sunday Mass, public prayers are offered for the welfare of Christ's Holy Church and for the world. As part of these prayers, we pray for the leaders of the catholic faith.

As Episcopalians, we see ourselves as one branch of the universal church founded by Christ through his apostles. The teaching and authority of the apostles has been passed down through the ages in the apostolic succession of bishops who continue to lead the church today. We see the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion as sister communions in the catholic faith, sharing the essential elements of apostolic faith and tradition.

Along with our weekly prayers for "all bishops, priests, and deacons," we make special intercession for those bishops who are leaders of these three communions. We invite you to join us in praying for the the leaders of the catholic faith and for all those who shepherd us as servants of Christ.

His Grace, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the first among equals of the bishops in the Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church in the United States.

His Holiness, Benedict XVI, the Bishop of Rome

The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

His All Holiness, Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch

The Ecumenical Patriarch is the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Churches.