Global churches prepare for international peace prayer day

-25/08/06

Churches across th


Global churches prepare for international peace prayer day

-25/08/06

Churches across the world, mindful of the scale of international conflict at present, are preparing for an ecumenical, global day of prayer, witness and action later next month (September 2006).

“Praying for peace is an essential part of Christian worship and, indeed, of human existence,” says World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia about the International Day of Prayer for Peace, to be celebrated on 21 September 2006.

On that date or the closest Sunday to it, WCC member churches and friends worldwide are invited to pray for peace. This WCC initiative first saw the light two years ago within the framework of its Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), and was welcomed by United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. Its celebration coincides with the UN International Day of Peace.

The theme for this year, “Ö and still we seek peace”, was chosen by churches from Latin America – the region of the Decade to Overcome Violence annual focus in 2006.

Churches are being asked “to be especially mindful of the violence in Latin America, but also of the suffering children, elderly, women and men in the Middle East”, and to pray for “cessation of all violence and for lasting peace,” says Dr Kobia.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies.

Suggestions on how to observe the day include art contests, educational and cultural events, prayers and reflections on peace in the community, workplace, school or home, and prayer vigils with other faith communities.

Historic Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, independent, indigenous, evangelical, Pentecostal and peace church traditions will take part in the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Many Catholics also join in, though there is a distinct Catholic Day of Prayer for Peace too.

Some denominations and ecumenical bodies, like Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, have declined to run the IDPP ëofficiallyí, but circulate and use its materials.

ìThis is a great initiative, but there are just too many ëspecial daysí for everyone to join in everything,î one commentator told Ekklesia. ìThat said, let a thousand flowers bloom ñ and if we can do some joint gardening, better still. The important thing is for Christians to commit to peace as the Way of Jesus, not as a minority lifestyle option.î

Copies of an IDDP brochure, prayers and other resources are available on the DOV website.

[Related stories on Ekklesia: Iraqi archbishop: Press, prayers for peace and Pope brought freedom; Faith communities pray for Holy land to become a reality; Unite for MidEast peace, say US Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Jews; Churches to mark international day of peace; Global faith gathering tackles religious roots of terror; Have faith in a better world, says WCC chief; Monks produce pray-as-you-go podcasts; Churches back international peace day; Prayer and action needed to end violence, says St Ethelburga’s]


Global churches prepare for international peace prayer day

-25/08/06

Churches across the world, mindful of the scale of international conflict at present, are preparing for an ecumenical, global day of prayer, witness and action later next month (September 2006).

“Praying for peace is an essential part of Christian worship and, indeed, of human existence,” says World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia about the International Day of Prayer for Peace, to be celebrated on 21 September 2006.

On that date or the closest Sunday to it, WCC member churches and friends worldwide are invited to pray for peace. This WCC initiative first saw the light two years ago within the framework of its Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), and was welcomed by United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. Its celebration coincides with the UN International Day of Peace.

The theme for this year, “Ö and still we seek peace”, was chosen by churches from Latin America – the region of the Decade to Overcome Violence annual focus in 2006.

Churches are being asked “to be especially mindful of the violence in Latin America, but also of the suffering children, elderly, women and men in the Middle East”, and to pray for “cessation of all violence and for lasting peace,” says Dr Kobia.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies.

Suggestions on how to observe the day include art contests, educational and cultural events, prayers and reflections on peace in the community, workplace, school or home, and prayer vigils with other faith communities.

Historic Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, independent, indigenous, evangelical, Pentecostal and peace church traditions will take part in the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Many Catholics also join in, though there is a distinct Catholic Day of Prayer for Peace too.

Some denominations and ecumenical bodies, like Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, have declined to run the IDPP ëofficiallyí, but circulate and use its materials.

ìThis is a great initiative, but there are just too many ëspecial daysí for everyone to join in everything,î one commentator told Ekklesia. ìThat said, let a thousand flowers bloom ñ and if we can do some joint gardening, better still. The important thing is for Christians to commit to peace as the Way of Jesus, not as a minority lifestyle option.î

Copies of an IDDP brochure, prayers and other resources are available on the DOV website.

[Related stories on Ekklesia: Iraqi archbishop: Press, prayers for peace and Pope brought freedom; Faith communities pray for Holy land to become a reality; Unite for MidEast peace, say US Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Jews; Churches to mark international day of peace; Global faith gathering tackles religious roots of terror; Have faith in a better world, says WCC chief; Monks produce pray-as-you-go podcasts; Churches back international peace day; Prayer and action needed to end violence, says St Ethelburga’s]