International Day of Prayer for Peace

Christians around the world will be joining together in praying for peace and an end to injustice and suffering on 21 September.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace is commemorated by the WCC in conjunction with the United Nations-sponsored International Day of Peace on 21 September.

The prayers are being guided by this year's WCC Assembly taking place in Busan, South Korea, from 30 October to 8 November, "God of life, lead us to justice and peace."

The idea for the International Day of Prayer for Peace came from a meeting between the WCC and the UN during the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence.

It takes place this year at a time when violence and conflict in Syria and Egypt are hardly out of the headlines.

"There's fresh news each day of injustice, violence and suffering, and the WCC assembly theme itself is a prayer for peace," said Jonathan Frerichs, WCC programme executive for peace-building and disarmament.

"It's an active prayer – a witness to faith, a cry of hope and a pledge to be disciples for peace together. May God hear us from International Peace Day to the assembly and far beyond."

Churches are invited to pray for peace and to also share their prayers via Facebook or Twitter (#peaceday).

News
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament
The inspiring story of St Luke: the man who wrote a quarter of the New Testament

18 October is St Luke’s Day. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 500th anniversary of the first printed publication of Luke’s Gospel in English. This is the story …

Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 
Nicky Gumbel elected to Church of England parliament with a call to put evangelism first 

The founder of the globally influential Alpha Course, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, has been elected to the Church of England’s General Synod. 

‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian
‘Strength does not always look impressive’: living with OCD as a Christian

Thea Joshi, of the Centre for Mental Health, reflects on living with OCD as a Christian and what churches and fellow Christians can do to help those living with the condition.

Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches
Church of England receives £13m under new scheme to preserve historic churches

A Church representative said he was conscious many churches had not received the funding they seek.