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Ecumenical devotions for unity and justice available for fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

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Published on 
January 15, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) in communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and The Episcopal Church USA (TEC) have put together a liturgical resource for the annual ecumenical celebration of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, that will be observed from January 18th to January 25th.

The Ecumenical Devotions for Unity and Justice have been specially developed by the four presiding bishops of each of the churches: Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the ACC, Bishop Susan Johnson of the ELCIC, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA, and Bishop Michael Curry of the TEC. They have been created to reflect this year’s international theme of justice.

“The leaders of these four churches are all deeply committed to seeing the Gospel put into action in service of the cause of justice, and to seeking to do that together in every way possible. These joint devotions for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are intended as a sign of that shared ministry,” says The Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, Animator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations for the Anglican Church of Canada.

The Ecumenical Devotions for Unity and Justice can be found on the anglican.ca website. These devotions are available for use not only during The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, but also throughout the year.

Christians across Canada, America, and everywhere else in the world – regardless of their denomination – are invited to use this devotion to reflect on scripture together, to participate in jointly organized fellowship services, and to pray for unity together. By making commitments to justice, equality, and unity, Christians can be vessels of God’s healing grace in a broken world.

“The hope for these reflections is that they continue to inspire members of our four churches, and beyond, to seek justice for others in the name of our one and common Lord,” states The Rev. Dr. Sharman.

 

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For media inquiries, contact:
Meghan Kilty, Director of Communications and Information Resources
Anglican Church of Canada
416-924-9199, Ext. 230
Email: [email protected]

 

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.