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Africa Sunday is a celebration held by many churches across the continent and in the African diaspora on the Sunday closest to Africa Day (May 25), which commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963—now the African Union (AU). Africa Sunday offers Christian communities an opportunity to give thanks for the rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage of Africa, to reflect on the continent’s struggles and triumphs, and to recommit themselves to the vision of justice, peace, and unity. Rooted in the biblical call to liberation, it connects deeply with Christ’s mission to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:18). In many contexts, Africa Sunday lifts up themes central to liberation theology: God’s preferential option for the poor, the dignity of every person, and the church’s role in resisting systems of injustice. It is a moment for the church to bear prophetic witness—praying and working for transformation in the face of poverty, conflict, and exploitation—while also celebrating the Spirit’s ongoing work through African leadership, creativity, and resilience.

Here in Vancouver, celebrating Africa Sunday is an act of solidarity, recognition, and hope. In a city shaped by migration, diversity, and growing African diasporic communities, it reminds us that the Body of Christ is global—and that the joys and struggles of Africa are not distant from us, but part of our shared Christian story. Africa Sunday challenges us to listen more deeply to African voices, to honour the contributions of African Christians to theology, worship, music, and mission, and to stand with those who continue to seek justice, healing, and equity. As a cathedral committed to Christ’s liberating love, we can embody Africa Sunday by making space for African leadership in our common life, praying for African nations and diasporic communities, engaging in partnerships that advance global justice, and learning from liberation theologies rooted in African soil. It is both a celebration and a call—to walk humbly, act justly, and love mercy in communion with sisters and brothers across the continent of Africa and around the world.