Is Christian disunity a scandal before God? Or is it something we have grown accustomed to, as though it were a creaky door that we never seem to get around to fixing?

St Paul’s words challenge us as we reflect upon this question. To suggest that disunity is something acceptable is declaring that Christ himself is divided – and that really is a scandal!

This year the Churches of French Canada have chosen for us a key biblical text of the ecumenical movement and have invited us to think about what our divisions say to the world and to each other about the Christian faith. They have also suggested that we use the Millennium Goals as a focus for our prayers for the world.

The Churches of Canada have a strong history of co-operation and mutual support. Their history includes examples of common efforts, shared ministries, and even the union of several churches.

Where organic unity of churches has not been possible, they have often achieved common agreements and shared ministries that witness to growing unity in Christ.

The churches have acted together on issues related to poverty and social justice, and together many of the churches are beginning to take responsibility for what they see as their un-Christ-like attitudes towards indigenous peoples in their country.

In considering the many blessings and gifts of God made manifest in their country and peoples, the Canadian Churches have begun to recognise that they must treat one another, and the very land from which they derive their living, with dignity and respect.

We can share this recognition and how it calls us all to confession and repentance, and to the seeking of new and sustainable ways of living on the earth.

It raises our consciousness about how God has blessed us all, and that no one group can decide how to use the world’s resources without hearing and including the voices of our fellow human beings.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from January 18 to 25.