Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada
47 Queen's Park Crescent East M5S 2C3 Toronto, ON, Canada

A Prayer for the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th) God of love, compassion, and healing, we pray to you on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: ... For women and girls who have experienced violent relationships, that they can find safety and healing from their trauma, and rebuild their lives; For children who have witnessed violence in their homes against their mothers and sisters and other family members, that they will experience healing and hope; For indigenous women and refugee women who have been impacted by extreme violence, that deep and lasting change will ensure their safety; For individuals and organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls and help survivors of violence, that their courage and generosity will endure; For men who speak out against forms of expression that demean women or condone violence against them, that their voices will grow stronger; For the men and boys who have behaved violently towards women and girls that they will have a change of heart, repent in meaningful ways, and seek whatever help they need to lead changed lives. God of love, we commend these prayers to you and for your compassion to flood the hearts of all people. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer Source: women.catholic.org.au

An invitation from the Canadian Council of Churches for an event on November 26, 2020. Dear friends, We are now more than halfway through the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD, 2015-2024), which aims to ensure space and voice for people of African descent across the world and to make anti-racism, especially anti-black racism, a global priority. ... Heeding this call, the Council invites Christians across Canada to Recognition, Justice, and Development: Peoples of African Descent and Canadian Churches, a Cross-Canada Council Event that will take place on November 26, 2020 (7-8:30 PM EST > Find this time in your local time zone here). This event will be fully accessible and bilingual in both English and French. The evening will feature a keynote presentation by the esteemed Dr. Afua Cooper on the realities of current systemic anti-Black racism in the Canadian context and challenges to the Canadian church as well as a multifaceted panel discussion from diverse Christian voices across Canada, small group discussion in breakout sessions, and a time of prayer. The objective of this Cross-Canada Conversation is to raise awareness of the International Decade for People of African Descent and encourage action on the part of Christian communities and individuals in Canada to work to end anti-Black racism. Christians across Canada are invited to this unique, livestream dialogue to bear witness to the experience of people of African descent in a Canadian Christian context. Register for this event on Eventbrite.

Eldercare An article by Dr. Anita Gittens first featured in the November 2020 Edition of We-Connect Wikipedia defines an elder as someone with a degree of seniority or authority. It also states that In Christianity, an elder is a person who is valued for wisdom and holds a position of responsibility and authority in a Christian group. ... There’s a sense of authority, knowledge, recognition, wisdom and value characteristics which can be associated with respect. In today’s society, one wonders about value and respect when hearing about elder abuse. The World Health Organization defines Elder Abuse as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. The abuse may be financial, emotional, physical, or neglect. Elder abuse is unfortunately, a growing problem. North American studies show that between 2 and 10 percent of older adults (aged 65 and over) experience some type of elder abuse or neglect every year. Stats Canada projects that by 2021, there will be approx. 3.8 million senior women in Canada, which would suggest that between 76,000 and 380,000 will experience some type of elder abuse. This abuse can be a single occurrence, however in up to 80% of cases, it happens on a recurring basis. For those who are dependent on caregivers or family members for their care, the abuse may be kept private and may be difficult to detect. No elder deserves to be abused or to accept abuse because of fear of retaliation, feeling hopeless or not having an advocate. What can we do? Prayer and action! Our actions can include raising awareness of elder abuse, looking for warning signs, listening to concerns expressed, offering support, advocacy, reporting elder abuse, and treating everyone with respect. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to be respectful and caring as we help others. Let us to be more aware of their needs and recognize when they may be in danger of abuse. I pray that elders may find places of safety, comfort and peace and look to you, with restored hope, as their refuge, strength and security. In Jesus’ name. Amen Dr. Anita Gittens; Anglican Church of Canada Representative; WICC Treasurer

Our apologies to anyone trying to watch World Day of Prayer Canada NOW via our live Facebook broadcast at 1 pm EST. There were technical difficulties for some viewers. We will be posting the broadcast at a later date.

WORLD DAY of PRAYER Canada NOW. Please join us on Facebook at 1 pm EST on Friday, November 20th for 15 minutes of prayer with Rev. Shirley DeMerchant.