- 03 October, 2026
NEW DELHI, October 3, 2026: Christians from different denominations, churches and organisations gathered in New Delhi on October 2 for “Pray for India 2026 – Bless India,” offering prayers for national unity, peace, religious harmony, justice and reconciliation.
Organised by the Delhi Christian Pastors’ Fellowship, the ecumenical gathering brought together bishops, priests, pastors, religious, youth and community representatives for prayer, worship, reflection and fellowship.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto urged Christians to become credible witnesses of Christ by living the Gospel through love, unity, service and action.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s observation about the transformative power of genuinely living the Gospel, the Archbishop challenged Christians to examine themselves and ask, “What divides us? What needs to change? What needs to be transformed?”
He called for a deeper conversion to the Gospel and urged Christians to walk together in unity while respecting diversity and embracing the responsibilities of belonging to the Church.
Drawing on the life of St Thérèse of Lisieux, Archbishop Couto highlighted the importance of childlike trust in God. He said her faith was marked not by immaturity but by a profound and simple confidence in Christ, enabling her to make her short life a path of love.
Prayer for peace and reconciliation formed a central part of the programme. Participants prayed for reconciliation among communities, churches and families, as well as the grace to forgive those who have caused hurt. They also prayed for social and economic barriers to be overcome and for Christians to become agents of peace.
Special prayers were offered for countries affected by war and conflict, with participants asking world leaders to work towards ending violence and promoting justice and peace.
The gathering also focused on India’s future, with prayers for national unity, religious harmony, good governance and justice. Participants prayed for the removal of hatred and prejudice and for India’s diversity to be recognised as a source of strength rather than division.
Women and girls affected by violence, poverty and abandonment were remembered in a special way. Prayers were offered for their dignity, healing, protection and the strength to rebuild their lives.
Other intentions included children, families, the poor and marginalised, victims of violence and education in India.
The ecumenical character of the gathering was reflected in its worship and cultural programme, which featured Bible readings, choirs, instrumental music, skits and performances representing different Christian communities.
Contributions came from churches and institutions including The Salvation Army, Jesus and Mary College, NECCOD, Bal Bhavan and other Christian groups. A cultural presentation by participants from Rajasthan further highlighted the diversity represented at the gathering.
Representatives from the Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi, Church of North India, Orthodox Church, Salvation Army, Syro-Malankara Church, Methodist Church, Evangelical Fellowship of India, Lutheran Church, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Indian Pentecostal Church and several other churches and Christian organisations participated in the programme.
The Dialogue and Desk for Ecumenism of CBCI, Chetanalaya, Society of St Vincent de Paul, Chetanalaya, Caleb Institute, Agnelo Ashram and other institutions were also represented.
The gathering concluded as a shared expression of Christian prayer for India, bringing together diverse churches, traditions and communities around the theme “Bless India” and a common commitment to faith, unity, peace and service.
By Fr. Nobert Herman
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