Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) is one of the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) flagship events.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
- Northern Hemisphere: between January 18 -the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter, and January 25 -the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul;
- Southern Hemisphere, celebrated during the Pentecost season.
Why?
In John's Gospel, it is written that Christ prays for his disciples before going to the cross.
He asks that his followers “may all be one,” as he and the Father are one, “so that the world may believe” and have life in his name (John 17).
Christian unity is thus made central to the very being of the church, and to its mission and witness.
Today, we live with divisions even as we yearn for the unity promised, and commissioned, by Christ. Let us strive to heal these divisions, yet honour diversity, through ecumenical dialogue, common action, and relationship-building.
The celebration of Prayer for Christian Unity, both seed and fruit of striving for ‘unity in diversity’, invites all of us Christians to deepen relationships, and to witness together throughout the year. Let us come together-- to pray for unity-- joining Christ in his prayer to the Father.
Resources:
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity website
- A talk by Rev. Dr. Rima Nasrallah (The Middle East Council of Churches), who connects the theme of this year's WPCU to the plight of Christians in the Middle East today and the broader challenges and opportunities of following Christ in today's world of upheaval and uncertainty. I have been thinking about this talk since she first gave it in November and I know I'm not alone!
- The listing of local WPCU services across Canada, whether in person or livestreamed, with updates as available.
- Two hymn videos . These videos are nice to listen to on their own, and were specifically posted for use by folks planning local services: