About Ecumenism
Assumption University is a strong proponent of ecumenism. The term ecumenism is derived from the Greek word, oikoumene meaning “the whole inhabited word.” Ecumenism stresses the need for Christian branches around the world to put aside their differences and work together in the spirit of unity and harmony for the benefit of society. Pope Francis explains that ecumenism consists of “journeys with Jesus not ‘my Jesus against your Jesus’, but with our Jesus. The journey is simple: it consists of prayer, with the help of others. Praying together: the ecumenism of prayer, for each other and all for unity. And then, the ecumenism of work for the many who are in need, for many men and women who today suffer as a result of injustice, wars, these terrible things. All together, we must help. Love for our neighbour. This is ecumenism.” (Address to the Christian World Communions Delegation, October 12, 2016).
Ecumenical Prayer Service
In 2024, Assumption University established the Ecumenical Committee comprised of representatives from over ten Christian branches. The committee agreed that it is important for Christians in our community to both pray and work together. In honour of Christian Unity Week 2025, the Ecumenical Committee hosted an Ecumenical Prayer Service. The service took place on January 21, 2025 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church (2735 University Avenue West, Windsor, Ontario). In addition to praying, the committee also collected free will donations to three food banks located at the Downtown Mission, Canterbury College, and the University of Windsor. All were welcome to attend this historic moment in our community.
The Ecumenical Committee will be meeting in the Fall of 2025 to discuss the Ecumenical Service for January 2026.
Ecumenical Committee Members 2025-2026
Dr. John Cappucci, Assumption University (Facilitator)
Mrs. Cecile Bertrand-Skory, Assumption University (Executive Administrative Assistant)
V. Rev. Fr. Corneliu Andrasco, St. George Cathedral – Romanian Orthodox Faith
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Boyes-Garbin, Canterbury College
Rev. George Bozanich, Emmanuel United Church
Mr. Michael Brown, Assumption University
Ms. Cynthia Connell, Canterbury College, Anglican Church
Rev. Canon Dr. Donald Hull, Church of the Ascension
Dr. Shetina Jones, University of Windsor
Dr. Norman King, Iona College
Rev. Chris Krejlgaard, Trinity Lutheran Church
Rev. Rielly McLaren, Windsor Mennonite Fellowship
Ms. Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, Downtown Mission
Rev. Deacon Kamil Raphael, Holy Family Chaldean Catholic Church
Rev. Shalini Sankarlal, University Community Church
Rev. Timothy Scott, CSB Windsor Heritage Family of Parishes
Elder Lana Talbot, Sandwich First Baptist Church
Rev. Tracey Thomas, Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Seraphim Torres, St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church
Elder McCair Tulloch, Interdenominational Minister
