Christians pray for a farewell to arms fairs

Christian peace activists are to hold a Day of Prayer on Sunday 14 June as a contribution to Stop Week.

Prayers will focus on the death and destruction caused by war and the pernicious role of arms fairs in perpetuating wars, specifically the world's largest arms fair (DSEi) scheduled to take place in London in September 2009.

The Day of Prayer marks the start of Stop Week from 14 to 21 June, an annual event of co-ordinated action for an end to the arms trade organised by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).

In 2009 Stop Week will focus on the UK Government's support for the arms industry through United Kingdom Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO).

The Day of Prayer is organised by CAAT's Christian Network, a non-denominational group of Christians opposed to the arms trade. There is no prescribed mode of prayer or worship and all Christian gatherings and individuals are welcome to join in.

The Christian Network has produced a Day of Prayer Pack with suggestions for worship, including prayers, Bible readings and studies, plus background briefings on UKTI, arms fairs and the UK's role in the arms trade.

Alun Morinan, Co-ordinator of the CAAT Christian Network, says: “For Christians, reflection and prayer are important ways to link our faith to action.

"For Christians, turning swords into ploughshares is not just a biblical injunction but an inspiration to our modern world to act against war and those who wage it. Please join us in the Day of Prayer at the start of Stop Week.”