Christians are recognizing anew that worship lies at the heart of their faith, and that it is foundational and central to the lives and witness of the churches, as well as to the ecumenical movement. It is very meaningful and important for the churches to find new vitality and depth in their own worship, rediscover common patterns, intentions and values in worship through the movement for liturgical renewal, and to widen their common understanding of the worship of other churches and Christian communities praying and praising God together.

As Asia is known for depth and plurality of spirituality, the use of Asian resources and elements for liturgical renewal, can be promoted to revitalize the worship life of Asian churches.  In worship, we praise God with our songs, prayers, art and our whole beings. However, praise is not the only theme of worship. In praising God, we also acknowledge our weakness, failures, and sins. Together with God’s creation, we utter our pain and misery in the world. We hear the words of God, which strengthen our faith and guide our way in the pilgrimage of life. Ultimately, praising God in worship does not end with the last song we sing, but it continues on our daily lives. It inspires us to act according to God’s words. Our praises must not be empty words, but must come alive in our deeds in bringing justice and peace in the world because we believe that a broader understanding of worship within and among the churches will encourage us to reflect what united us, to deepen and revitalize worship in our common praise and prayer.

Recognizing the need to revitalize Asian worship and liturgical traditions, this program will focus on providing information on the understanding and practice of worship in a wide range of churches in Asia; promoting understanding among Asian Christians of their own, and each other’s worship lives; encourage the deepening and renewal of worship within and among the churches; and in developing ecumenical liturgical resources for the Christian communities to pray and praise God together. Activities will include workshops on worship and liturgical traditions in Asia with liturgists, theologians, church leaders and pastors, Serial publication of liturgical resource book and developing Liturgy and worship resource for “Asia Sunday.”