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| Inter-Faith |
| Week of Prayer for Christian Unity |
| Emergency Measures |
| Suffering and Hope |
| Theological Anthropology |
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Faith and Witness
Week of Prayer Survey: National Church Offices
Click Here to take survey
Week of Prayer Survey: Parishes & Congregations
Click Here to take survey
The Commission on Faith and Witness engages the churches in theological study in order to increase an understanding of the faith we hold in common and to provide an ecumenical witness to Christ's mission in the world. The purpose of the Commission is to provide a meeting-place, a lively and fertile ground for reflection and work, among Christians of different families. Together we work to reflect theologically on matters of concern in our own day, and on questions of historical interest to the churches.
Periodically, we publish resources on topics chosen by the churches, such as Together in Christ: The Hope and Promise of Christian Marriage (2000). Annually, the Commission develops resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It coordinates churches' participation in interfaith dialogue, with involvement on the Canadian Christian Jewish Consultation and National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee, among other bodies.
Each member church provides at least one representative to the Commission. Together, we decide the topics we wish to address, in keeping with the needs and concerns of the churches. We seek to articulate the Christian faith we hold in common, to discover greater mutual understanding and witness, and to probe more deeply the theological areas in which our traditions diverge. We identify the theological questions needing to be investigated, and explore them among ourselves. We share resources for dialogue and common understanding. And, we reflect theologically on the role and direction of ecumenism in our own day, in the specific Canadian situation in which we live and work.
Click Here to take survey
Week of Prayer Survey: Parishes & Congregations
Click Here to take survey
The Commission on Faith and Witness engages the churches in theological study in order to increase an understanding of the faith we hold in common and to provide an ecumenical witness to Christ's mission in the world. The purpose of the Commission is to provide a meeting-place, a lively and fertile ground for reflection and work, among Christians of different families. Together we work to reflect theologically on matters of concern in our own day, and on questions of historical interest to the churches.
Periodically, we publish resources on topics chosen by the churches, such as Together in Christ: The Hope and Promise of Christian Marriage (2000). Annually, the Commission develops resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It coordinates churches' participation in interfaith dialogue, with involvement on the Canadian Christian Jewish Consultation and National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee, among other bodies.
Each member church provides at least one representative to the Commission. Together, we decide the topics we wish to address, in keeping with the needs and concerns of the churches. We seek to articulate the Christian faith we hold in common, to discover greater mutual understanding and witness, and to probe more deeply the theological areas in which our traditions diverge. We identify the theological questions needing to be investigated, and explore them among ourselves. We share resources for dialogue and common understanding. And, we reflect theologically on the role and direction of ecumenism in our own day, in the specific Canadian situation in which we live and work.
Events and Activities
Monday,October 1, 2007 - Coming Together: Forum on Ecumenical Dialogue
You are invited to the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology
- Convocation Hall
- Talks, Discussion and Reflection
A Public Lecture "Christian Diversity and Public Theology" will be given by: The Hon. Bill Blaikie, Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House.
Click here to view Details
Prayer service for peace and healing in Afghanistan
The Canadian Council of Churches and the Greater Toronto Council of Christian Churches are sponsoring a prayer service for peace and healing in Afghanistan on Sunday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. The service will be in the Anglican Evensong tradition with participation and prayers by over 20 Christian denominations.
Sunday, April 22, 4:30 p.m.
The Hon. Rev. Dr. David MacDonald will be preaching.
At The Cathedral Church of St. James (Anglican), located at the corner of King Street and Church Street.
People of all faiths are warmly welcomed. www.stjamescathedral.on.ca/
Download or print a copy in PDF format.
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues 2004.
Two opportunities for worship, reflection, discussion, education, conversation about the work of Christian unity in Canada: The joys, the difficulties, the learnings, the achievements, and more.
"Conflict or Dialogue?" A Public Address.
Celebration Service.
Download or print a copy in either PDF or Word format.
On Monday, 4 October, 2004, we will gather together Canadian Christians who are working in ecumenical dialogue on behalf of their churches. Dialogues may be either bilateral (between two churches) or multilateral (among several churches). Our day-long gathering will feature speakers and panellists who are experienced in ecumenical dialogue and can help offer practical and theological insight into its work. The forum will provide a chance for people to meet one another, reflect more deeply on the work they have been doing, and exchange experiences and understanding with colleagues working in dialogues other than their own.
Registration Form
Download or print a copy in either PDF or Word format.
The daytime session will be held in Ottawa at Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Avenue). If you are involved in dialogue or ecumenical service on behalf of your church, and wish to attend, please contact us.
The evening of October 4, a public lecture will be given at the University of Saint Paul (223 Main Street), which all are welcome to attend.
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues 2002.
This popular gathering was the forerunner to our 2004 Forum. We gathered at the University of St Michael's College in Toronto, to hear speakers and have facilitated discussion about the work of dialogue in Canada: its adventures, its difficulties, its discoveries, its development. The day's presentations were as follows:
Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace.
March 22, 2003. The Canadian Council of Churches, through the Commission on Faith and Witness, sponsored an ecumenical service of prayer, music, and light in defiance of darkness. The service and reception were held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Toronto. Download your copy of the Service Booklet.
You are invited to the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology
- Convocation Hall
- Talks, Discussion and Reflection
A Public Lecture "Christian Diversity and Public Theology" will be given by: The Hon. Bill Blaikie, Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House.
Click here to view Details
Prayer service for peace and healing in Afghanistan
The Canadian Council of Churches and the Greater Toronto Council of Christian Churches are sponsoring a prayer service for peace and healing in Afghanistan on Sunday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. The service will be in the Anglican Evensong tradition with participation and prayers by over 20 Christian denominations.
Sunday, April 22, 4:30 p.m.
The Hon. Rev. Dr. David MacDonald will be preaching.
At The Cathedral Church of St. James (Anglican), located at the corner of King Street and Church Street.
People of all faiths are warmly welcomed. www.stjamescathedral.on.ca/
Download or print a copy in PDF format.
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues 2004.
Two opportunities for worship, reflection, discussion, education, conversation about the work of Christian unity in Canada: The joys, the difficulties, the learnings, the achievements, and more.
"Conflict or Dialogue?" A Public Address.
Celebration Service.
Download or print a copy in either PDF or Word format.
On Monday, 4 October, 2004, we will gather together Canadian Christians who are working in ecumenical dialogue on behalf of their churches. Dialogues may be either bilateral (between two churches) or multilateral (among several churches). Our day-long gathering will feature speakers and panellists who are experienced in ecumenical dialogue and can help offer practical and theological insight into its work. The forum will provide a chance for people to meet one another, reflect more deeply on the work they have been doing, and exchange experiences and understanding with colleagues working in dialogues other than their own.
Registration Form
Download or print a copy in either PDF or Word format.
The daytime session will be held in Ottawa at Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Avenue). If you are involved in dialogue or ecumenical service on behalf of your church, and wish to attend, please contact us.
The evening of October 4, a public lecture will be given at the University of Saint Paul (223 Main Street), which all are welcome to attend.
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues 2002.
This popular gathering was the forerunner to our 2004 Forum. We gathered at the University of St Michael's College in Toronto, to hear speakers and have facilitated discussion about the work of dialogue in Canada: its adventures, its difficulties, its discoveries, its development. The day's presentations were as follows:
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"Stages in Dialogue: the Canadian Experience." A Panel Presentation. "Just Beginning." Dr. Helmut Harder, Mennonite Conference. "Mid-Life." Rev. Dr. Peter Galadza, Sheptytsky Institute, Ottawa. "Beyond Dialogue." Rev. Alyson Barnett-Cowan., Director, Faith, Worship and Ministry, Anglican Church of Canada. |
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"Theological Method and Dialogue: Learning From the Groupe des Dombes." Dr. Cathy Clifford, Saint Paul University, Ottawa |
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"What Have We Talked About? Themes in Dialogues over the Years.
'Church': A Case Study. A Panel Presentation. Rev. Dr. John Gibaut, Saint Paul University, Ottawa Dr. Margaret O'Gara, St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology Dr. George Vandervelde, Institute for Christian Studies Small Group Response: Eavesdropping on One Another's Dialogues |
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"Interaction between dialogue and the local churches. What has worked? What hasn't? Best successes, worst failures?" A large-group discussion, facilitated by: Dr. Susan Brown, King's College, London Rev. Dr. Robert Kelly, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary Rev. Dr. Peter Wyatt, Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology Dr. Mary Marrocco, Faith and Witness Commission |
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"Reflection on the Day. What have I heard today? What is particularly Canadian in dialogue?" Listener and Responder: Rev. William Rusch, Executive Director, Board for a Faith and Order Conference in North America. |
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"Conversation and Conversion: A Spirituality of Dialogue". A public lecture by Dr. Donna Geernaert, s.c., Ecumenical Officer for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Chair of the Commission on Faith and Witness. |
Ecumenical Prayer Vigil for Peace.
March 22, 2003. The Canadian Council of Churches, through the Commission on Faith and Witness, sponsored an ecumenical service of prayer, music, and light in defiance of darkness. The service and reception were held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Toronto. Download your copy of the Service Booklet.
Recent Documents and Publications
Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues
The Commission on Faith and Witness hosted a Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues on Monday October 4, 2004 in Ottawa at Southminster United Church.. Representatives of member churches from across Canada gathered together to foster their growing awareness of the importance of inter church dialogue. Click here to read more.
Guidelines for Religious Ceremonies Involving More than One Faith Tradition.
September 2001. Developed by the Council's Inter-Faith Relations Committee, in consultation with partners from the Muslim and Jewish faiths, and adopted as a statement of the Council, these guidelines provide suggestions for planning and conducting public religious ceremonies that include the participation of a diversity of religious traditions. Click here to read more.
Redeemed By Violence? Who Are We Becoming?
May 2002. The Governing Board of The Canadian Council of Churches devoted a full day of its spring meeting, held May 22-24, 2002, to learning, reflecting and sharing on the times in which we live, marked particularly by the agonies of the Middle East and by the seemingly endless "war on terror" launched by the United States following the disasters of September 11, 2001, in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Click here to read more
The Commission on Faith and Witness hosted a Forum on Ecumenical Dialogues on Monday October 4, 2004 in Ottawa at Southminster United Church.. Representatives of member churches from across Canada gathered together to foster their growing awareness of the importance of inter church dialogue. Click here to read more.
Guidelines for Religious Ceremonies Involving More than One Faith Tradition.
September 2001. Developed by the Council's Inter-Faith Relations Committee, in consultation with partners from the Muslim and Jewish faiths, and adopted as a statement of the Council, these guidelines provide suggestions for planning and conducting public religious ceremonies that include the participation of a diversity of religious traditions. Click here to read more.
Redeemed By Violence? Who Are We Becoming?
May 2002. The Governing Board of The Canadian Council of Churches devoted a full day of its spring meeting, held May 22-24, 2002, to learning, reflecting and sharing on the times in which we live, marked particularly by the agonies of the Middle East and by the seemingly endless "war on terror" launched by the United States following the disasters of September 11, 2001, in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Click here to read more
Archived Documents
Preparing your Congregation for Disaster
Click to download or view the PDF Document
Initiation into Christ: Common Teaching and Ecumenical Reflections on Preparation for Baptism (1991).
This document contains the outcome of reflection and ecumenical discussions within the Commission on Faith and Witness of the Canadian Council of Churches during the period 1986 to 1991. In the course of its study , the Commission identified certain common elements on Scripture, theology, and experience which are pertinent in the preparation of individuals for initiation into the Body of Christ. Each of the five sections includes a discussion of human experience, theological reflection, a consideration of the biblical witness, and questions for further consideration. A final section includes brief statements from members of the Commission on Faith and Witness, summarizing the distinctive perspectives on baptism and Christian initiation from their particular traditions.
Knowing and Following Jesus Christ in Today's World.
March 1999. The Commission on Faith and Witness met in Montreal for a rich dialogue on the meaning of Christian discipleship today.
Ecumenical Statement on Euthanasia: Statement of Convergence on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.
December 1996. Recognizing that issues surrounding decisions at the end of life were front-and-centre in both church and society, the Commission on Faith and Witness undertook a survey of its membership, resulting in the release of an ecumenical statement of convergence on euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Click to download or view the PDF Document
Initiation into Christ: Common Teaching and Ecumenical Reflections on Preparation for Baptism (1991).
This document contains the outcome of reflection and ecumenical discussions within the Commission on Faith and Witness of the Canadian Council of Churches during the period 1986 to 1991. In the course of its study , the Commission identified certain common elements on Scripture, theology, and experience which are pertinent in the preparation of individuals for initiation into the Body of Christ. Each of the five sections includes a discussion of human experience, theological reflection, a consideration of the biblical witness, and questions for further consideration. A final section includes brief statements from members of the Commission on Faith and Witness, summarizing the distinctive perspectives on baptism and Christian initiation from their particular traditions.
Knowing and Following Jesus Christ in Today's World.
March 1999. The Commission on Faith and Witness met in Montreal for a rich dialogue on the meaning of Christian discipleship today.
Ecumenical Statement on Euthanasia: Statement of Convergence on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.
December 1996. Recognizing that issues surrounding decisions at the end of life were front-and-centre in both church and society, the Commission on Faith and Witness undertook a survey of its membership, resulting in the release of an ecumenical statement of convergence on euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Members of the Commission on Faith and Witness
| Incoming Chair: | The Rev. Fred Demaray |
| Outgoing Chair: | The Rev. Dr. Stewart Gillan |
| Associate Secretary: | Dr. Mary Marrocco |
| Dr. Gail Allan | United Church of Canada |
| The Rev. Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos | Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada |
| The Rev. Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan | Anglican Church of Canada |
| The Rev. Neil Bergman | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
| Fr. Jaroslaw Buciora | Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada |
| Dr. Richard Crossman | Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada |
| The Rev. Fred Demaray, chairperson | Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec |
| The Rev. Dr. Peter Galadza | Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops |
| Mrs. Taline Gumushdjian | Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese |
| The Very Rev. Estephanos Issa | Syrian Orthodox Church in Canada |
| The Very Rev. Dr. Ihor Kutash | Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada |
| Dr. Paul Ladouceur | Archdiocese in Canada of the Orthodox Church in America |
| Keith R. Maddock | Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) |
| Mr. Paul Nessim | The Coptic Orthodox Church of Canada |
| The Rev. Tim Purvis | The Presbyterian Church in Canada |
| The Rev. Dr. Ian Ritchie | Anglican Church of Canada |
| Prof. Richard Schneider | Archdiocese in Canada of the Orthodox Church in America |
| The Rev. Kevin Smith | Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec |
| Margaret Trapnell | The United Church of Canada |
| Major Kester Trim | The Salvation Army |
| The Rev. Deacon Alexei Vassiouchkine | Archdiocese in Canada of the Orthodox Church in America |
| Ex Officio | |
| The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton | General Secretary, Canadian Council of Churches |
| The Rev. Paul Johnson | Vice President, Canadian Council of Churches |
| Ms. Natasha Klukach | Governing Board Youth Member, Anglican Church of Canada |
| Dr. Mary Marrocco | Associate Secretary, Faith and Witness |
