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Global Prayer for Peace Sunday planned for September 24

STRASBOURG, France — Mennonite World Conference (MWC) is inviting Anabaptist churches around the world to observe Peace Sunday on September 24, 2006.

In March, the MWC General Council approved observing Peace Sunday on the Sunday nearest the International Day of Peace, called by the United Nations for September 21. Many other churches, including members of the World Council of Churches (WCC), will also observe the International Day of Peace.

MWC has sent out worship materials, prepared by the Peace Council, to its member churches. The chosen theme is "Follow Me!" the invitation of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Worship materials include suggestions for hymns, scripture, prayers, quotations from 16th-century Anabaptist leaders and a sermon outline. The materials are also available on the MWC website, www.mwc-cmm.org.

In 2004, the WCC invited prayer for peace on each September 21 or the Sunday closest to that date, to coincide with the UN Day of Peace. The WCC launched this special day within the framework of its Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV). Its celebration was welcomed by UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

"Praying for peace is an essential part of Christian worship and of human existence," says WCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia. The International Day of Prayer for Peace is an opportunity for churches everywhere to act together to nurture peace in the hearts of people and societies.

Churches this year are being asked to be especially mindful of the violence in Latin America, the suffering of children, elderly, women and men in the Middle East and to pray for an end to all violence and for lasting peace.

Suggestions on how to observe the day include prayers and reflections on peace in the community, workplace, school or home, prayer vigils with other faith communities, art contests, educational and cultural events.

For additional information on the WCC's suggestions for celebrating a Day of Prayer for Peace, contact Juan Michel or check the DOV website: http://overcomingviolence.org/en/about-the-dov/international-day-of-prayer-for-peace.html.

MWC will also continue to observe World Fellowship Sunday in January, an annual celebration within the global Anabaptist family of churches. Worship materials for that day will be sent out to MWC member churches in November.

— Ferne Burkhardt, MWC news editor