The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2023 was chosen by the Minnesota Council of Churches “Do good; seek justice.” (cf Isaiah 1:17)
The working group appointed by the Minnesota Council of Churches chose this verse from the first chapter of the prophet Isaiah as the central text for the Week of Prayer: “learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (1:17).
The resources have been adapted for use in Australia by the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission in collaboration with the Faith and Order Commission of the Victorian Council of Churches
NCCA RESOURCES include:
Promotional:
Worship and reflections resources:
- document WoPCU 2023 Worship Service (39 KB)
- document WoPCU 2023 Sermon Notes (19 KB)
- document WoPCU 2023 8 Days (50 KB) - This is the adaptation of the 8 Days to assist reflection and discussion.
- pdf WoPCU 2023 Hymns International (1.21 MB)
- pdf WoPCU 2023 Introduction Background final (203 KB)
Please note: These resources are made available to print at your own office. Both the WoPCU Prayer Cards and Poster are available in Publisher Document format. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to have this version.
Australian context
Learn to do good - Seek justice - Rescue the oppressed - Defend the orphan, plead for the widow
“When we stop talking and listen, we hear that the church in Australia is built on stolen land, Indigenous land, and shares in a history of racism, massacre, abuse, stolen children, imprisonment and death in custody, and ongoing disadvantage. We hear that this legacy is really ours because we have explained, justified or remained silent in the face of this reality. When we stop talking and listen, we make space to realise anew that we have acted in ways that deny the worth of some of God’s people, equally made in God’s image.” (Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White’s sermon from Day of Mourning service, 19th January 2020, Leichhardt Uniting Church).
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Invasion by John “Munnari” Hammond A’Hang © |
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Australian image used
The image is taken from the painting “Invasion” by artist John “Munnari” Hammond A’Hang ©
It was presented to the National Council of Churches in Australia by Aboriginal and Islander participants in the NCCA’s inaugural Forum, Canberra 14 July 1994.
White man came to this country in their ships. With their guns the black man has no answers. They were poisoned, shot, hung and put in chains as punishment.
Then along came religion, Christianity, the Bible was read at campsites by white man and later black and white.
Now we walk side by side burning bridges of the past. The chains of the past are broken and black and white walk on equal ground through this rugged wide land. Their spirit finally free through Christianity.
LOCAL ACTIVITY ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Information concerning Week of Prayer for Christian Unity activities may be obtained from your State Ecumenical Council.
Acknowledgement: These resources in Australia are based on the international material for the 2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity produced by the World Council of Churches. They have been adapted for use in Australia by the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission in collaboration with the Faith and Order Commission of the Victorian Council of Churches.
Donation: If you have found these resources useful, any donations to help cover the cost of producing the resources will be gratefully received by NCCA Faith and Unity. Locked Bag Q199, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230. Or make a donation online via our secure payment gateway.
Many thanks.
For more information: ph. (02) 9299 2215
