Cardinal Sarah's Urgent Call for Christian Unity
At the 2024 Theological Symposium hosted by Tangaza University College in Nairobi, Cardinal Robert Sarah didn't hold back. Addressing hundreds of students, scholars, and clergy over two days in late February, he spoke with a sense of urgency about a problem the global Church can't ignore: disunity among Christians. For Cardinal Sarah, internal divisions do more than just cause disagreements—they undercut the very foundation of the Gospel message the Church is meant to spread.
He explained that splintered communities send mixed signals to the outside world, making the Christian message appear weak or inconsistent. In his words, when Christians are divided, they offer a "counter-witness"—essentially the opposite of the inspiring example the Gospel is meant to provide. These fractures, he pointed out, can make followers vulnerable to manipulation by those who see opportunities for exploitation in Christian infighting.
Beyond Boundaries: Gospel First, Identities Second
One of Cardinal Sarah's strongest points was about how loyalties like tribe, nation, or race should never outweigh dedication to the Gospel. He challenged the audience to honestly ask themselves which identity comes first. "Do we put our flag, our roots, or our group ahead of Christ's message?" he asked. For the Cardinal, the answer should always be clear. Evangelization suffers when the Church is split by these secondary identities.
He called on Christian leaders and laypeople alike to set aside differences and rally around core Gospel teachings. This isn't just about getting along, he said—it's about the future of the Church's witness worldwide. In places where religious tensions run high or where faith itself is on the decline, unity could make all the difference.
He didn't limit his message to Christians alone. Cardinal Sarah highlighted that even partnerships with people of other religions—when they're rooted in respect and shared values—can help build the foundation for evangelization. He encouraged African Christians, in a special way, to take the lead. With European church attendance slipping, he sees Africa as a "spiritual engine" that can reignite faith on the world stage.
- Prayer: Not just private devotion, but community prayer that breaks down barriers.
- Fasting: A practice to focus the heart and mind, reminding believers of what's truly important.
- Almsgiving: Rather than competition, caring for those in need brings unity in action.
According to Cardinal Sarah, these three pillars—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—aren't only personal disciplines but tools that bind communities together, strengthening Christian witness even across lines of difference.
The atmosphere at Tangaza University College made it clear that Cardinal Sarah's message landed with weight. For many, it was a direct challenge but also an invitation. Rather than calling for uniformity, he asked for solidarity: a Church where diversity is celebrated but the mission remains shared. With Africa at the forefront, the path to a reinvigorated, united evangelization story may run straight through the continent's churches.
Diego Vargas
Disunity killz the Gospel's credibility.
Alex Lee
Your point is a weak excuse for divisions.
Vida Yamini
Unity is more than just nice talk it is the lifeblood of the Church. When believers stand together the world can see the love of Christ clearly. A fractured body can never function properly and the message gets lost. The Cardinal reminded us that prayer, fasting and almsgiving bind hearts together. These practices are ancient and have proven to heal rifts. In Africa we already see communities gathering in open squares sharing bread. That visible solidarity draws curious eyes and opens doors for dialogue. It is not about erasing cultural differences but about celebrating them under one banner. The gospel can travel farther when there is no internal sabotage. History shows that empires fell when their churches were split. Modern media amplifies every disagreement making it look worse than it is. The youth are especially susceptible to cynicism when they hear constant bickering. By focusing on the core message they can rediscover purpose. Leaders must model forgiveness and collaboration. Even small groups can start by praying together daily. This simple habit can become a powerful testimony for the world.
James Lawyer
The emphasis on collective prayer aligns with historic ecumenical movements, suggesting a strategic approach to reinforce doctrinal cohesion while respecting cultural particularities.
Abby Culbertson
i feel sad when i read about split church.
Awolumate Muhammed Abayomi
Wow! That sumz it up great i think we need more of those prayers and fasts together yeah they bring us close!
Josh Tate
I hear the frustration behind the disunity and I also see hope in the Cardinal's call. When churches prioritize love over rivalry, real transformation happens. Let's keep encouraging each other to live the Gospel together.
John Smith
Sure, but most leaders just say that and then go back to their own agendas.
Alex Soete
Exactly! The power of community prayer is undeniable – it breaks barriers and fuels evangelization. Let’s make it a weekly habit across all parishes.
Cara McKinzie
Ugh this is so typical – everyone acting like they’re saints while the real issues stay hidden 🙄
Joseph Conlon
Actually, the problem isn’t hidden at all; it’s right in front of us every Sunday when congregations sit apart and ignore each other’s pain. By pretending unity is just a slogan we avoid the hard work of truly listening, and that’s why the message keeps getting diluted.
Mohit Singh
Enough with the polite talk – disunity is a sin that kills souls, and we must call it out now.
Damian Liszkiewicz
Unity is like a tapestry; each thread represents a culture, and when woven correctly it displays a masterpiece of divine love. 🌍🕊️
Angela Arribas
Perhaps you meant “unity is like a tapestry,” not “unity is like a tapestry;”. Also, remember to capitalize “Each”. :)