Photo credit: Majdi Fathi/Christian Aid
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, 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 joined the campaign along with Member Churches United Reformed Church, Quakers in Britain, and Church of England.
They 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
- Share the video (below) in your service
- 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
A reading of Archbishop Hosam’s prayer by Christians from across the traditions
Download the text of Archbishop Naoum’s prayer (pdf).
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.
Public Witness
We have clearly heard the call from Palestinian Church leaders for greater public witness and solidarity, and we are therefore inviting churches and church leaders to consider how to best respond.
Immediate suggestions include
- Share this call to prayer within your networks and with other churches
- Encourage your congregation to consider their prophetic witness—what more they might do to stand for peace? There are links to further resources for churches below.
- Join with other faith leaders in public witness, amplifying the call for justice and reconciliation
We are discerning a moment for a larger-scale public witness by churches nationwide and will share more details as soon as possible.
Resources for Churches
Christian Agencies and our Member Churches have a number of resources for those wanting to find out more, from orders of service, prayers, campaigns, opportunities for public witness and study group materials.
Here we have compiled some helpful links to further information.
Christian Aid:
Inspire your church to act for a just peace – Christian Aid
Films, resources for services, vigils and events, campaign actions and more
Sabeel-Kairos
United Reformed Church
Deepening knowledge of the issues
URC’s Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories video playlist
Embrace the Middle East
Take Action for the Middle East
Quakers in Britain