Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson invites ELCIC members to observe World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7.
“We join with others around the globe in this week of reflection and public witness on what it means to be people of faith, regardless of religious affiliation,” says Bishop Johnson. “Being in dialogue with people of other faith traditions enriches our own mission and ministry, and helps us create a climate where we can work together for peace and justice.”
World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the UN General Secretary on October 20, 2010 as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
At it’s September 2012 meeting, the ELCIC’s National Church Council endorsed a request from The Lutheran World Federation to observe World Interfaith Harmony Week.
In Canada, World Interfaith Harmony Week has been observed by Lutherans, Presbyterians, Uniteds, and Roman Catholics, together with Muslims, Jews, Baha’is and many others in secular, civic and religious contexts. This year, there will be Canadian public observances at many locations throughout the country.
ELCIC congregations and worship leaders may choose to augment the Prayer of the Day or Prayers of Intercession on February 2 (Epiphany 4/Presentation of Our Lord) with one of the following:
- For the Human Family: “O god, you made us in your image…” (EvLW, pg 79)
- A Prayer attributed to St. Francis: “Lord, make us instruments…” (EvLW, pg 87)
Additionally, people may be invited to pray one of these prayers as part of their daily devotions.
For further information on World Interfaith Harmony Week, visit: http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 145,376 baptized members in 594 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
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