Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East and Act of Public Witness – September
Together with Christian organisations, churches, and networks in the UK we are inviting congregations to join us in prayer on Sunday 21st September (UN World Peace Day) and then on Thursday 25th join a moment of inter-faith public witness. More details below.
Background information:
We are witnessing the devastating escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The cries of Palestinian church leaders for peace and solidarity have echoed across the global Church, urging us to respond with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
As Christian agencies rooted in faith and justice, we believe the gravity of this moment demands a visible, united Christian witness—one that speaks to our shared commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of all people.
We are calling on churches across Britain to pray for peace on Sunday 21 September, coinciding with UN World Peace Day and the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches.
Christian Aid, Tearfund , CAFOD, Embrace the Middle East, Sabeel Kairos, Amos Trust, All We Can, Reconciling Leaders Network, Difference, Friends of the Holy Land, USPG, Centre for Missionaries from the Majority World, and Commitment for Life have all joined the campaign along with Member Churches United Reformed Church, Quakers in Britain, and Church of England.
The General Secretary of Churches Together in England, Bishop Mike Royal, said: “There is a growing consensus amongst the churches and also Christian organisations engaged in the Middle East that it’s high time we act together as one. Our message is simple. On Sunday 21 September 2025, Churches Together in England is supporting Christian Aid and other partners and is encouraging congregations across the nation to hold a minute’s silence and to pray for the following: an end to hostilities; the unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza; the release of Israeli hostages and for work to continue to secure a lasting peace.”
Call to Prayer – Sunday 21st September:
Please include prayer for peace in your services on or around 21 September. You can use these suggestions or the links to resources from the joint Christian Agencies.
- Consider holding a minute’s silence in the service
- Use the prayer below from Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem
- Joint the #FastforGaza action.
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
The Most Reverend Dr. Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, August 2025
Download a copy of Archbishop Naoum’s prayer.
Points for Prayer
Your prayers might focus on one or more of the issues below:
- An immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- Unfettered access to humanitarian relief.
- An end to violence in Israel and Palestine.
- The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.
- A meaningful peace process.
A call to join in Public Witness on Thursday 25th September
As well as encouraging congregations to pray on the 21st September, several of the agencies listed above would also invite you to join them in an act of interfaith public witness on the 25th.
The cries of Palestinian church leaders for solidarity and an end to the conflict urge us to respond. The gravity of this moment demands a visible, united Christian witness—one that speaks to our shared commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of all God’s people. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31.8-9.
Therefore we call on you to join a moment of inter-faith public witness:
When? 11am, 25TH September (finish by 12 latest)
Where? Gathering on the green (with King George V Statue) opposite Old Palace Yard, Westminster
What? We’ll hold a period of silent prayer together. Colleagues will be taking photos and videos during this. Followed by photos and videos holding Red Lines signs and placards (please bring any you have).
Additionally, if you cannot make it to London on that day but would like to show your support locally there are some great ideas of how to do so here on the Christian Aid website.
Contact us