An abridged text of the reflection “Canada at a Crossroads” released on Ash Wednesday 2025 by the leadership of the Canadian Council of Churches.

As we begin the Season of Lent this year, we are aware that many Canadians are carrying a heavy load of worry, fear and uncertainty about the future. We are facing an early federal election as well as living under the threat of significant tariffs from our largest trading partner, the United States.

We are grateful for our political leaders who are seeking out every avenue to avert a costly trade war. We pray for their wisdom and courage in the face of what some may regard as unwarranted aggression. It is our hope that we can attain a fair equilibrium between our two countries to sustain a spirit of friendship and partnership such as we have nurtured for over a century.

Though our times may be experienced as harrowing and distressing, it is a comfort to know that we are not alone when we seek what is right and good. We have the assurance that God walks with us. That was the faith of the Psalmist ashe looked back on his checkered life and experience. We read in Psalm 90: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. That is the conviction which undergirds us in these uncertain times.

The good news of God’s love for us draws us to live by the values of justice, peace, solidarity, reconciliation, and the well-being of others. We are called to care for the least among us, in our own country and around the world.

In a democracy, and in an election year, it is important to engage in our civic duty to vote. We need to votethoughtfully and carefully. In this respect, the Council has resources the may be helpful. We also wish to affirmour political leaders, and that we deeply appreciate how difficult is their calling.

For many Christians, the Season of Lent is a holy time in which we are invited to turn and return to God. In someWestern Christian traditions, the journey to Easter begins with the sign of ashes – an ancient sign that speaks of thefrailty and uncertainty of human life. And then, rather than being discouraged by the reality of sin in our world and inour own lives, we observe a season of self-examination and penitence, prayer and fasting, works of love, andreading and meditating on the Word of God.

The sign of the cross on our heads, made with ashes, is a rich symbol which also reminds us that we belong to God,and we are in God’s care, and He invites us to join inHis mission. As the Season progresses and the days lengthen, weare assured of Christ’s light and love, and ultimately God’s power over hatred, division, violence and death itself.

Prayer

O God, you came into our world to save us, but we were mired in our evil ways and nailed you to a cross. You came toshow us how to live, but we have muted your teaching in our hearts and allowed ourselves to be captivated by greedand self-interest. We know too well the folly of

these errant passions. Wean us, we pray, from an over-dependence on material things for our happiness, and themisapprehension that they alone can produce contentment and fulfilment in our lives.

We confess to you our anxiety and worry about profound uncertainty in the politics of our continent and our world.Our hearts are breaking for the people affected by unjust policies and those losing their homes, jobs, and sense ofsecurity. We are more concerned than ever for our brothers and sisters in the crossfire of war or violent conflict, aswell as people affected by cuts to programs serving those in greatest need. We pray for our political leaders inCanada and for leaders around the world, that they may persevere towards justice and peace for all people.

O God, even when we experience hardship, save us from the dark hole of bitterness so that when a better dayarrives, we can experience the joy of restoration and rectified relationships. May we appreciate as Canadians, howblessed we are, for the enviable material wealth we possess, the beauty of the land which stretches across acontinent and the delightful diversity of the peoples and cultures who make up our nation.

Rev. Amanda Currie President

Rev. Dr. Das Sydney Past President

Pastor Peter Noteboom General Secretary