By Daoud Kuttab

Rev. Elijah Brown the General Secretary of the BWA expressed his appreciation for being invited to attend an ecumenical prayer event as part of the consecration of new cardinals.

In an exclusive interview Brown acknowledges differences but said he was grateful to be part of a historic event. “While we maintain our differences, I was grateful to participate on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance in this historic gathering as church leaders from Catholic, Orthodox, Mainline, and Evangelical churches came together for the very first time to pray. “

Dr. Brown described the atmosphere with 18,000 attendees in St. Peter’s Square as Jesus-centered. “There was a spirit of Jesus-centered worship when the many thousands who were present spontaneously joined with a children’s choir from Ukraine to sing Alleluia. While we are not pursuing structural unity, at a time when there is so much division and where too many have centered the purposes of their life on the emptiness of power, privilege, or pleasure, it is important that we nurture a faith that glorifies Jesus, pursues the mission of God, and lives in the Fruit of the Spirit.

The American Baptist leader said that it was “humbling” to pray again for peace. “With so many around the world bearing the cruelties and injustice of war and persecution, it was humbling to pray again for peace and to ask if each one of us would follow Jesus with courage and conviction into the sufferings of violence in the path of peacemaking.

As he left the stage Brown said to Pope Francis, “The Baptist World Alliance prays for peace and for renewed Pentecost witness.” The Pope responded, “Pray for me as well.” Let all of us continue to pray for Holy Spirit renewal among all of our churches and for recommitment to live the saving Good News of Jesus in the world today.

Reverend Brown’s participation in the prayer event came after Patriarch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, Antioch who prayed in Arabic: “Christ Jesus, look upon your family. We entrust all your disciples to you, that they may continually grow as peacemakers.”

Pastor Brown continued: “For all who suffer from violence and war in Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Nicaragua, Congo, Syria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and in many other places around the world. For those who persevere, wherever they live, in the service of justice and reconciliation, we pray to you.”