International Day of Prayer for Peace

On Sept. 21, faith communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Peace through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance. For 2009, the World Council of Churches (WCC) office for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) proposes prayers and liturgical resources related to this year's focus, "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean."

Theme poster for World Council of Churches’ 2009 focus of Decade to Overcome Violence

The International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for faith communities to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace. Congregations worldwide are invited to pray for peace, possibly using the same prayers available through WCC.

WCC encourages using prayers freely submitted from the Caribbean. WCC offers a collection of prayers for peace that have come from a variety of denominations.

International Day of Peace Vigil

An ever-expanding number of people worldwide, representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions, have committed to working with others for an International Day of Peace Vigil. Objective of the International Day of Peace Vigil is "to encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observations for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace Sept. 21 in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world."

You can register your commitment on the International Day of Peace Vigil website to make it known to others who would like to join in.

The International Day of Prayer for Peace was proposed at a 2004 meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan. The WCC's invitation to pray for peace on Sept. 21, or the Sunday preceding it, coincides with a U.N. initiative that encourages "global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace" to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict.

U.N. resolution

In 1981 the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 36/67 declaring an International Day of Peace. In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a new resolution 55/282 declaring Sept. 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace. Intention of the resolution is to have the entire world observe a day of peace and nonviolence.

The regional focus is intended to raise awareness around issues of violence and facilitate regional efforts that contribute to overcoming violence there. Throughout the year, prayers and resources are being distributed to WCC-member churches and ecumenical organizations. Global advocacy will be facilitated through local churches and regional organizations.

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