This Sunday, 21st September, marks Peace Sunday and the UN International Day of Peace – a global invitation to reflect, pray, and take action in a time of deep and growing division and conflict.
Churches around the world are joining together this Sunday to pray for peace in the Holy Land, to coincide with UN World Peace Day and the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches.
We encourage you to join churches and agencies within the Anglican Alliance family – and others around the world – to pray for peace this Sunday, using the prayer below of Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
With the devastating escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank, Christians are called to unite in witness with clarity, conviction and compassion and to pray for peace, reconciliation and dignity for all people in the Holy Land.
The World Council of Churches’ annual World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, this year from Saturday 20 to Friday 26 September, encourages people to pray for, and act towards, an end to the conflict so that Palestinians and Israelis may live in peace.
In the UK, churches and faith-based organisations have come together in an ecumenical coalition supported by the Church of England and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The coalition stands in solidarity with those affected by the violence in the Middle East and amplifies the call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and all captives and a meaningful peace process.
The UN’s theme this year is Act Now for a Peaceful World, a reflection that active participation is vital in the journey to peace, reconciliation and healing:
“From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world – everyone has a role to play.”
This is a reminder that everyone has a role in building peace, that prayer and action start where we are, and that every step, however small, helps to build a more hopeful and peaceful world.
What can your church do on 21 September?
Please include a prayer for peace in your services on or around 21 September. There are also a number of other ways you can get involved:
- Hold a minute’s silence in your service
- Use the prayer below from Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem
- Get involved with the #FastforGaza action
- Share this call to prayer within your networks and with other churches
- Encourage your congregation to consider their prophetic witness — there are church resources to help with this
- Consider joining Christian Aid’s initiative, drawing a Red Line for Gaza at your church
- Join with other faith leaders to amplify the call for justice and reconciliation.
The Very Rev’d Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College, Jerusalem, who started the Fast4Gaza movement, has encouraged people to get involved:
“In these days of suffering in Gaza and the West Bank you can stand in prayerful solidarity by joining in the international day of prayer action for Palestine and Israel.
“Palestinians have felt abandoned by many who should have done so much more but the action of the people in the streets of numerous countries has shown that the cry of pain and anger has not gone unheard. Please continue to show love and unity, praying and acting for peace with justice.”
A Prayer for the Holy Land for 21 September
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
In your mercy, provide for all those in Gaza and beyond who suffer from hunger and starvation, that they may be given both physical bread to nourish their bodies and heavenly bread to sustain their souls.
By the power of your Spirit, bring a speedy end to this cruel war, the release of all captives, care for the sick and wounded, comfort for those who have lost loved-ones, and the opening of a pathway for a just and lasting peace here in the very homeland where your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ministered during his earthly life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Written by The Most Reverend Dr. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem
