Peace Sunday 2025

Peace Sunday is a chance for the church to pause and reflect on what it means to follow the Prince of Peace today. The Fellowship of Reconciliation encourages churches to have a service on the Sunday closest to the UN International Day of Peace (21st September) but you are free to schedule it for the Sunday that fits your calendar.

This year they are asking us to think about how we make time for peace in ourselves, our communities and our lives. It’s an invitation to celebrate what you already do and an invitation to take one more action for peace. For more information and to request resources click HERE.

The theme for the UN International Day of Peace is Act Now for a Peaceful World and you can find more information HERE.

Churches Together in England is supporting our Member Churches and partner organisations in the call to prayer for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

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.”

Christian Aid, Embrace the Middle East, Sabeel Kairos, All We Can, Quakers in Britain, Reconciling Leaders Network, Difference, Tearfund and Commitment for Life write…

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. 

What your church can do on 21 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.