Upper Basildon author times new book release with international Christian celebration

An important Christian celebration has arrived in West Berkshire – with a twist.

Thursday, January 18, marked the beginning of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

And this year’s worldwide celebration – centred around the parable of The Good Samaritan – coincides with a new book written by Upper Basildon resident, Michael Penny.

The new book, entitled Unity in Christ, was published by The Open Bible Trust and co-authored by Mr Penny’s long-time associate, WM Henry, who lives in Glasgow and is also involved with ecumenical (interdenominational) work.

But “unity does not mean uniformity”, Mr Penny explains.

“People are very different and so in Christianity we need different forms of worship, different types of music and even different views on what parts of the Bible mean.”

The book explains – to the surprise of some Christians – that there are two unities.

One is ‘unity of the Spirit’, which embraces all who believe in Jesus, whatever their traditions or theology.

It is a unity which Christians are told to guard. The book points out that people only have to ‘bear with’ people they do not fully agree with.

The other is the ‘unity of the faith’, which Christians are encouraged to strive for.

This unity involves a deeper knowledge about who Jesus is and of his commands, including ‘love one another as I have loved you’.

“With this unity of the faith, many of us still have some way to go,” added Mr Penny.

Mr Penny is part of the ministry team of St Stephen’s Church in Upper Basildon, St Mary’s Church in Aldworth and St Clement’s Church in Ashamptstead.

His book is available to buy at https://shorturl.at/nqQS5 and also on Apple Books and Amazon Kindle.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual Christian celebration bringing local churches together in prayer, traditionally observed between January 18 and 25.