Archbishop of York's seven-day fast and prayer vigil for peace

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. AP

The Archbishop of York embarked on a weeklong fast and prayer vigil for the suffering world on Sunday.

During his vigil of Hope and Trust for the Peace of the World, Dr John Sentamu will be praying on the hour every hour from 6am to 6pm until Sunday 31 August. 

He will be saying three Kyrie Eleison (Lord Have Mercy) in succession, followed by the Lord's Prayer, and repeating the cycle three times. 

The Archbishop is inviting others to join him in saying prayers for people in communities affected by militarism, idolatry, dictatorships and poverty. 

As a mark of solidarity he is displaying a piece of white linen above the door to the St John's Chapel at York Minster.

He is asking others to place a piece of white linen in their windows as a symbol of peace.  

He said: "Dearly beloved Disciples of Jesus Christ, wherever you are in the world, I beseech you, in the Name of our Lord, to join me in heart and mind for seven days of prayer and fasting for peace and justice in God's World.

"Please join me in praying especially for those places in our global village devastated by militarism, idolatry (the worship of God wrongly conceived), dictatorships and abject poverty.

"One way of making our solidarity and commitment together to be instruments and makers of peace is to place white linen in our windows. All people of good will may do this! Be the change you want to see."

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.