Quakers join UK churches in urgent call to pray for peace in the Middle East
Quakers in Britain are joining faith-based organisations across the UK in inviting churches to unite in praying for peace in the Middle East, amid escalating violence in Israel and Palestine
On Sunday, 21 September, UN World Peace Day, churches are invited to hold a minute's silence and use a prayer written by Hosam E. Naoum, Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem.
Quakers are supporting these actions alongside Christian Aid, CAFOD, Embrace the Middle East and Tearfund.
The call is also endorsed by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Church of England, the Methodist Church, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, and others.
The aim of the appeal is to stand in solidarity with those affected by the violence in the Middle East, including Palestinian Christians.
It coincides with the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches and amplifies the call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and a meaningful peace process.
Then on 24 and 25 September, church leaders are invited to Red Lines vigils due to take place at the Senedd in Cardiff, and in Parliament Square, London.
These public acts of witness, open to all, in Parliament or their home towns, aim to draw attention to the suffering of civilians and amplify the call for peace.
A spokesperson for the coalition said: “There is a clear and urgent need for churches in the UK to respond to the escalating crisis in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
“The gravity of the situation demands a united Christian witness for peace, justice, and reconciliation. We hope as many churches as possible will join us in these actions."