Guiding Principles

Theological framework, ecumenical identity

In 2007, the International Committee met in Toronto, Canada. One hundred and seventy nine women representing World Day of Prayer Committees, in 95 countries from across the world, reflected and approved the following Guiding Principles, to continue the vision of Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action.

Our Guiding Principles

1. Sharing acknowledges that all have something to give and to receive

We recognize Christian women as competent to express their faith and to speak about their lives in prayer and worship before God and in community.

4. Stretching beyond what is familiar; becoming inclusive

It takes some risk to understand one another from where the other per-son is rather than from where I am. It brings renewal when the new generations of young women join

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7. Being a Christian neighbor in a multi-religious world

Called by Jesus Christ to love our neighbors, Christian women seek to live in community with everyone around them including people of other faith traditions.

2. Listening and speaking

Prayer is rooted in listening to God and to one another. We listen to the Word of God and to the voices of women sharing their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their opportunities and needs.

5. Sharing acknowledges that all have something to give and to receive

Each year women of a certain country are able to share their faith and lives. By taking turns each year we emphasize that all are welcome.

8. Committed to learn; striving for wisdom

Learning is a mutual process. Together we strive for wisdom that shapes our understandings and guides our actions in our daily lives.

3. Being faithful and creative

Women strive to be faithful to the texts they received for the worship service, to make heard the voices of women of a different country, while creatively expressing their own responses to the text.

6. Developing global ecumenical sisterhood & building trust

Once you begin to respect, trust, and understand one another you can build long lasting bonds. A worldwide sisterhood that gathers in worship every year.

9. Moving into responsible action

We encourage responsible action that grows out of the worship service and its theme. Being willing to look at the problems that affect the world and cause suffering requires courage. To take small steps and proceed one step at a time is an expression of hope, even when confronted by many difficulties.