Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity History

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity seeks to emphasize and deepen the shared commitment to following Jesus. This international movement is rooted in the desire for worldwide Christian unity; a goal that has been pursued for over a century. During this week-long event, churches host ecumenical services, discussions, and shared meals, offering a unique opportunity to strengthen ties both within communities and across borders.

The idea for an annual Week of Prayer dedicated to the unity of Christianity originated in 1908 through the efforts of Paul James Wattson and Spencer Jones, who promoted the concept within their respective Episcopalian and Anglican churches. Canada, being a diverse country with a rich history of immigrants, has been actively involved in commemorations of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for decades. The celebration presents an unparalleled occasion for Canadian Christians to engage in ecumenical dialogue, explore shared beliefs, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit their communities and the wider public.

In Canada, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is marked by a variety of events and initiatives organized by churches and ecumenical organizations at a local, regional, and national level. The Canadian Council of Churches, along with the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism and the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, encourages participation through the preparation and distribution of liturgical resources. These materials promote the themes and activities proposed by the international bodies guiding the event, which are the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Canadians observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity during the same international dates, traditionally occurring from January 18 to 25.

Top facts & quotes about Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

• The theme for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2024 was You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbour as yourself.
• In 2023, 20 million Canadians claim Christianity as their faith. Islam was the second most popular religion in Canada.
• The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is held on January 18th. This is also the date of the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter. Here the Apostle Peter proclaimed to Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Week of Prayer concludes on January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. This date acknowledges the conversion of Saint Paul.
• As we reflect on Paul's teaching during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, may we be confirmed, together with all Christ's followers, in our pursuit of holiness and fidelity to the Lord's will - Pope Francis, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (2014)
• The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has its roots in the 1908 Church Unity Octave proposed by Reverend Paul Wattson, co-founder of the Graymoor Franciscan Friars in Garrison, New York.
  This event has been endorsed and supported by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, hence it is celebrated globally, including in Canada.
  Each year, the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is chosen by Christians from a different country. The Canadian Council of Churches then helps to adapt these materials for use in Canada.
  The Canadian Council of Churches, formed in 1944, has continued to nurture the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Canada. Today, the Council represents 26 denominations of Anglican, Evangelical, Free Church, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic traditions, reaffirming the importance of this event.
  Over the years, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has played a vital role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among Christians in Canada, leading to shared worship services, cooperative projects, and stronger relationships among individuals and communities.
  The idea of an octave (8 days) for Christian unity was first suggested by Rev. Paul Wattson, co-founder of the Graymoor Franciscan Friars in the early 20th century.

In the News and Trending for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Top things to do for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

• Attend church or service. Use this week to reflect and pray.
• Each of the 8 days of the Week of Prayer is accompanied by a prayer. Browse these biblical reflections and discuss their significance:
  1) You did not choose me but I chose you (John 15:16a)
  2) Abide in me as I abide in you (John 15:4a)
  3) Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12b)
  4) I do not call you servants any longer… but I have called you friends (John 15:15)
  5) You have already been pruned by the word (John 15:3))
  6) Go and bear fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:16b)
  7) I am the vine, you are the branches (John 15:5a)
  8) So that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11)
• View the past year's highlights of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
• Explore Canada's rich Christian heritage by visiting historical churches such as Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal or Saint John the Baptist Basilica in Newfoundland.
• Participate in an Ecumenical Prayer Vigils. These are held in various locations across the country, focusing on the theme of unity and honoring Christ’s prayer that his followers would be one.