07/01/2026
INFORMATION the say is POWER...
ECWA or Ecwa? Getting It Right Matter
A troubling trend has begun to take root within us: the name of our denomination is increasingly being written incorrectly as Ecwa instead of ECWA. This misrepresentation, though subtle, carries a negative impact on our collective identity as a church. If left unchecked, it risks normalizing an error that diminishes both the grammatical integrity of the acronym and the institutional image of the Evangelical Church Winning All. This is why we must carefully examine the correct form and standard usage.
First, between ECWA and E.C.W.A., the grammatically correct and current standard is ECWA written without periods. Modern style guides such as APA, Chicago, and Oxford recommend dropping periods in acronyms unless clarity requires them (e.g., U.S. vs US). Thus, ECWA aligns with contemporary usage and readability.
Second, the organization itself — Evangelical Church Winning All — officially uses ECWA in its publications, signage, and communications. This makes ECWA not only grammatically correct but also institutionally recognized. Writing it otherwise disregards the organization’s own standard of representation. This institutional consistency further reinforces why the correct usage must be upheld across all contexts.
Finally, while E.C.W.A. may appear in older or highly formal style guides, such usage is outdated and less practical today. For clarity, consistency, and respect for the organization’s identity, ECWA remains the correct and preferred form.
At first glance, the difference between writing Ecwa and ECWA may appear trivial, and some might question whether such precision is necessary. Yet small details often carry larger meaning. Secular organizations such as WHO and UNICEF would never permit their names to be casually written as 'who' or 'unicef', because accuracy in acronyms reflects respect for the institutions they represent. If global bodies guard their identity so carefully, how much more should we, as a Christian denomination, place premium on the proper usage of ECWA. Upholding accuracy is not mere formality; it is an act of honoring the identity and witness entrusted to us.
In conclusion, let us uphold the proper usage: ECWA — always in uppercase, without periods. Accuracy matters, and consistency honors the identity of our denomination.
ECWA Emic Babatomiwa M. Owojaiye
