International Day of Peace

God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4).

In the spirit of Isaiah, the United Nations General Assembly established September 21 of every year as the International Day of Peace ––a day of global ceasefire and non-violence day to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples. All nations and peoples are asked to honor a cessation of hostilities for the day. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are encouraged to mark the day in appropriate manners and to cooperate in the establishment of the global ceasefire.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program invites Presbyterians to observe this day and to join the World Council of Churches (WCC) in marking September 21 as an International Day of Prayer for Peace. Observing an International Day of Prayer for Peace affirms the work for peace and justice of churches around the world. This joins the witness of churches and faith communities with the efforts of the many groups and peoples in the international community who also promote peace and justice.

The WCC invites individuals to pray for peace on September 21 and encourages congregations to pray for peace at their service before or after that date. The WCC also suggest that congregations and individuals consider participating in the International Day of Peace Vigil or consider holding 24-hour prayer vigils or other observances in their own congregation on September 21. Because this year’s annual focus of the Decade to Overcome Violence - Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace is on the United States, the WCC is asking people across the world to include prayers for the for the churches, religious communities, ecumenical organizations, and all people of goodwill in the United States who pursue peace and justice.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program offers resources for the International Day of Peace. The Presbyterian United Nations Office provides additional information about Presbyterian involvement with the work of the United Nations. The WCC has resources for the International Day of Prayer for Peace posted on the Decade to Overcome Violence - Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace Web site.

In announcing the International Day of Prayer for Peace, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, observed, “We hope and pray this common observance will make the power and promise of peace more tangible for all who feel desperate by the continuing violence and injustices and look for signs of hope. Let us join in the prayer chosen by the WCC for its 9th Assembly: ‘God, in your grace, transform the world.’”

Amen.