Canada: Vancouver archdiocese hosts conference on Christian Unity

View from Kitsilano Beach

The Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Decree on 'Ecumenism of the Second Vatican Council with a conference entitled 'Christian Unity - Have We Answered the Call?"

The Vatican II document affirmed and strengthened the Catholic Church's commitment to the ecumenical movement. In addition, the Archdiocese will join with other Christian denominations and communions in the Lower Mainland in numerous services and events during the 2015 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed from January 18-25. For the list of ecumenical events and prayer services visit: http://rcav.org/christian-unity/

Archbishop J Michael Miller said all are called during this week to celebrate the diversity of language and culture in which the Christian faith is expressed as brothers and sisters of various churches join in prayer, song, and witness to unity as followers of Christ.

"Unity among all Christian remains a pressing priority for the Church," said Archbishop Miller. "Commitment to Christian unity follows from Jesus' prayer 'that all may be one' (Jn 17:21) and many promising steps in mutual understanding, collaboration and common witness with other Churches and ecclesial communities have been made since the Second Vatican Council. We thank God for these fruitful signs of Christian love and solidarity."

To celebrate the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, all are also invited to a conference Saturday, January 17, 2015, at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Vancouver from 9am to 4.30pm. Fr Tom Rosica, CEO of Salt and Light Television and English language assistant in the Press Office of the Holy See, and Sr Donna Geernaert, a Canadian pioneer in the field of ecumenism, will offer the keynote addresses which will be followed by respondents from various Christian traditions.

The conference will offer opportunities to pray together, to speak about our common achievements and to address issues that still divide us as Christians. For complete information visit: http://rcav.org/christian-unity-have-we-answered-the-call./