That there was to be genuine unity among its members was made clear when Jesus prayed: “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth. ”
(‏ یوحنا ۳ :‏ ۱۶ ؛‏ ۱۸ :‏ ۳۷‏ )‏ این نکته که در بین اعضای آن باید اتحادی واقعی وجود می‌داشت ،‏ در این دعای عیسی بوضوح نشان داده شد :‏ « نه برای اینها فقط سؤآل میکنم بلکه برای آنها نیز که بوسیلهٔ کلام ایشان بمن ایمان خواهند آورد .‏