All Be One – Cry for Unity: Indian Resonances
Reflecting on the high priestly prayer of Jesus – “So that they may all be one” (John 17:21) on the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed and the global endeavours for ecumenical witness is an apt theological and spiritual act. So, I take my pleasure to cast a little light on this prayer from India – the land of religions and spiritualities.
Jesus’ prayer is a vision of unity that is spiritual, relational, and ethical – not merely ecclesiastical or structural. Uttered on the eve of his passion, it is a divine imperative for a Trinitarian and communal oneness, not uniformity but a mutual indwelling grounded in love. It calls us to imagine a transformed reality where all, despite differences, live in peace and harmony.
This prayer takes on new relevance as the global Church commemorates the Nicene Creed. The Council of Nicaea (325 CE) was both a theological necessity – responding to the Arian crisis questioning Christ’s divinity – and a political strategy by Emperor Constantine seeking unity in the empire. The Creed affirmed Christ’s eternal Sonship and divinity, marking a moment when theology and empire intertwined. It sought not just doctrinal clarity but a shared identity – a collective “we” rooted in truth and love. Indeed, it embodied Jesus’ prayer for unity many ways.
In the Indian context, the prayer has rich resonances and has borne significant fruits. The Indian philosophical and religious traditions echo Jesus’ prayer. In Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is the non-dual ultimate reality, with all selves (Atman) being expressions of this one essence. This ontological unity mirrors Jesus’ words, “as you, Father, are in me and I am in you.” Unlike Advaita’s impersonal oneness, Jesus envisions unity through love and relational communion. The world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), the ancient Indian saying presents a worldview where diversity and unity coexist. Similarly, Jesus prays that his followers may be one so the world may believe – a missional unity grounded in divine love. Indian religions value spiritual community. In Buddhism, Sangha (the monastic community) is vital for enlightenment. In Hinduism, Satsang (fellowship with the wise) fosters moral and spiritual growth. Both emphasize shared learning, compassion, and discipline. Jesus envisions a similar community of disciples whose unity testifies to God’s reconciling love. Ethical unity is another point of convergence. Hindu philosophy upholds Ahimsa (non-violence) and Dharma (cosmic and moral duty) as means of sustaining harmony. Jesus’ prayer includes this ethical call – to live unity through peace, justice, and active love – resonating deeply with the Indian pursuit of dharma.
India also knows the pain of divisions – casteism, sectarianism, religious exclusivism. Like Jesus’ own context of social fracture, India has seen reform movements like the Bhakti and Sant traditions, and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who sought equality and inclusion. Jesus’ prayer confronts these barriers, urging radical inclusiveness and reconciliation – a unity that dismantles hostility.
Inspired by such rich heritages and the vision of unity in Jesus’ prayer, the diverse Episcopal and non-Episcopal churches transcended historical divides to form the Church of South India in 1947. Today, the prayer is not only CSI’s motto but a beacon of hope and the reign of God realized in unity and mission.
In times such as this – wounded by war, injustice, and exclusion, the Church is called to be a sign of hope and reconciliation. Ecumenical gatherings are not mere ceremonies; they are prophetic acts to mend the fractured world. As the global Church gathers – in Stockholm and beyond – to mark the Nicene anniversary, may this celebration renew our commitment to be One Body, One Spirit, One Hope. Not just believing in one Church, but striving to be one – united in faith, in love, and in mission. As heirs of Jesus’ prayer and the Nicene legacy, may the Church be a living witness – so that the world may believe…!
