21 August 2025
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani is encouraging church congregations in Chelmsford Diocese to take part in a day of prayer for peace in the Middle East on Sunday 21 September.
The day of prayer is being organised to coincide with the UN’s International Day of Peace and all Church of England congregations have been invited to participate.
Bishop Guli said:
“I have had the opportunity to visit and spend time with our friends in the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem on two occasions during this conflict. They emphasised the important role we have to play in the Church of England in speaking out and praying for a just peace. I encourage congregations across Chelmsford Diocese to use the prayer the Archbishop in Jersualem has written for 21 September, which prays for an immediate end to the war, the release of all captives, help for those suffering hunger and starvation in Gaza and beyond and the resumption of negotiations for a just and lasting peace.”
Prayer material and other information will be made available on special pages of the ecumenical groups Churches Together in England and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
Further events and opportunities for church engagement are planned for the coming months the details of which will be released in due course.
A prayer for the Holy Land
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.
