17:21 – that the world may believe

Christian festivals and organisations are celebrating unity this summer through the 17:21 movement.

During the 2017 festival season, more than 100,000 Christians will use 17:21 to reaffirm their commitment to unity.

17:21 draws on Jesus' prayer for the disciples in John 17, which says in verse 21: "May they all be one that the world might believe."

Steve Clifford, general director of the Alliance, said: "It has been a wonderful privilege to see unfold before our eyes this amazing expression of unity across the diversity of the evangelical church here in the UK.

"We trust 17:21 will cause there to be smiles in heaven and greater effectiveness in God's mission here on earth."

Sarah Yardley, festival director at Creation Fest who are taking part in the movement, said: "The 17:21 project has already been a catalyst for greater unity among the leaders of Christian festivals, and I pray it will be fruitful at our event this year. 

"May many people know the life found in Christ through believing in 2017."

Festivals including Spring Harvest, Big Church Day Out, Word Alive and Icthus Revive are all taking part in the celebration.

Each event will read the same Bible passage, pray a prayer of commitment, make a declaration of a shared life in Christ and play the same worship song. 

You can find out more about 17:21 via the website.