Unity and Peace: O’Gara Ecumenical Essay Contest
Fostering the next generation of Canadian ecumenical leaders
Organized by The Canadian Council of Churches, with leadership from the Commission on Faith and Witness (CFW)
Are you a student in a theological school, seminary, or doctoral program? Are you passionate about Christian unity and peace? Would you like to win a cash prize and meet leaders and scholars in the Canadian ecumenical movement?
You are invited to participate in Unity and Peace: O’Gara Ecumenical Essay Contest!
The Canadian Council of Churches is looking for student essays on topics of significance for the ecumenical movement in Canada, particularly on the 2026-2027 themes of ‘Theology of Christian Citizenship’ and ‘Confronting Racism within the Church’. Essays on other topics related to justice, peace, ecumenism, and ecumenical relationships will also be accepted.
Essays can be written in English or French. Canadian students and international students studying in Canada are eligible to enter. This essay contest will be judged through a ‘blind review’ process by a panel of three distinguished Canadian ecumenical leaders and scholars.
Three winners will receive a cash prize and will be given an opportunity to attend an ecumenical event hosted by The Canadian Council of Churches to present their essays. First place: $1,000 CAD; second place: $500 CAD; third place: $250 CAD.
The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2027.
Winners will be announced by March 15, 2027.
- Read 2026-2027 Call for Papers for more information and detailed instructions on how to enter!
Questions? Email Bailey Bjolin, CFW O’Gara Program and Research Assistant, at bjolin@councilofchurches.ca
This essay contest honours the internationally renowned Canadian ecumenist, theologian, and educator, Professor Margaret O’Gara (1947-2012). A graduate of Trinity College in Washington, D.C., Yale Divinity School, and University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Professor O’Gara taught systematics at the University of St. Michael’s College, including several courses on ecumenical theology and ecumenism. She was also an active participant in the Canadian and global ecumenical movement, serving as a Roman Catholic representative on official national and international dialogues. In honouring Margaret’s life and service through this ecumenical essay contest, The Canadian Council of Churches and its Commission on Faith and Witness gratefully acknowledge the generous support of her husband, Professor Michael Vertin, for their mission and work.