Ecumenical is derived from the Greek word, oikumene. According to Webster's the word means "the inhabited world" and generally refers to "worldwide Christian unity or cooperation". It has also been used to generally refer to interfaith cooperation.

When the McMaster Campus Ministries Council (MCMC) formed in 1971, they sought the cooperation of several church groups to work together on campus and to fund an Ecumenical Chaplain. The MCMC is a non-profit, registered charity. We work alongside the Roman Catholic Chaplain and the Christian Reformed Chaplain. We also work cooperatively with other groups and offices on campus, such as: the Interfaith Coordinator, Diversity Services, Human Rights and Equity Services, and many student clubs.

The Ecumenical Chaplaincy is not funded by the university budget. Currently, the Ecumenical Chaplain is supported by annual grants from the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the United Church of Canada, as well as by donations from local churches, McMaster staff and faculty, and retirees. The university welcomes us and provides office space. We have also received program funding for collaborative endeavors such as: the Anti-Violence Network, Soul Food Fair, etc.

The Ecumenical Chaplaincy operates independently from the university, but we serve the whole community by providing counseling support, by advocating for students in difficulty, and providing programs and seasonal Christian worship. We participate in the life of the university and respond to needs, such as coordinating responses following international conflicts/wars and major events. The Ecumenical Chaplain also serves on committees such as the Research Ethics Board, the Support for Students in Difficulty, President's Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community, etc.

The McMaster Campus Ministries Council (MCMC) supports the activities of the Ecumenical Chaplain. MCMC (also referred to here as the "Council") is a group of volunteers that includes students, staff and faculty who are part of the university. It basically serves as an advisory board that insures the financial health of the organization, but also acts to reflect upon and steer the direction of the Ecumenical Chaplain. In addition to the university complement, the Council also includes representatives from the Anglican, Presbyterian and United Churches, as well as community representatives. Members of the council volunteer their time to host events and programmes for the campus community. The Council meets twice a term, while the Executive Committee meets monthly during the academic year.

Currently, the University provides office space which is known as the Chaplaincy Centre, located in the Student Centre, Room 231. The office is open Tuesday - Friday for drop-in and scheduled appointments.

Rev. Dr. Carol Wood, an ordained Presbyterian minister, has served as Ecumenical Chaplain since 1996. Carol enjoys and welcomes the diversity of the McMaster community and the opportunity to walk with students through the challenges of their university experience.

My faith is rooted in the Christian tradition, which, in practice is lived out in a diverse University setting. I am nurtured by liturgy, meditation and worship and enjoy both participating in, and leading these activities. My love of people and interest in interfaith dialogue bring me into many relationships where knowledge and understanding grow.

By working on justice issues like poverty and non-violence, as well as health and wellness, I have developed a network of relationships both on campus and in the community.