Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 18-25

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years , in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity.  By annually observing the WPCU, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one."  (cf. John 17:21)

In preparation for the WPCU, ecumenical partners in a particular region were asked to prepare a basic text on a biblical theme. Then an international group organized through the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity edited this text, which was jointly published by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and WCC, through their Commission on Faith and Order.  The WCC accompanied the entire production process of the text. The final material was sent to member churches and Roman Catholic dioceses, and they were invited to translate the text and contextualize it for their own use.

Further promotional and preparatory materials for the annual WPCU can be found through the World Council of Churches and the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute websites, including:

  • Suggestions for observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
  • Thematic poster art, music, and prayer cards (English/Spanish)
  • Scripture readings, commentaries and questions for reflection
  • Ecumenical prayer service model
  • Historical and contextual information

2023: "Do good; seek justice." - Isaiah 1:17

For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023, a group of Christians convened by the Minnesota Council of Churches chose "Do good; seek justice." from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 1. This group is deeply influenced by the fight for racial justice and equity that was brought to the fore in response to George Floyd's murder in May 2020.

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Click here to explore themes from past years!