WCC NEWS: WCC encourages singing, praying for peace as creative ideas abound

A “human chain” singing for peace and a new hymn by Swedish composer and pastor Per Harling are just two of many creative ways people are expressing their yearning for peace. 29 March 2022 As local and regional church organizations express the desire to sing and pray for peace in ways larger than church walls can hold, World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca encouraged these public pilgrimages for justice and peace. The Council of Churches in the Netherlands, along with peace organizations there, are planning a street prayer for peace, ultimately with a “human chain” of people singing Dona nobis pacem (Grant us peace) across Europe. Harling’s hymn, entitled “Pray for Peace,” reads: “Pray for peace, work for peace, care for peace, make way for peace/Blessed are those who stand for peace and freedom.” Sauca encouraged churches and all people of good will to support such creative efforts, sing for peace in their own homes, and bring communities together with a unified voice. “Together, we can continue to show the world that there is an alternative to warfare,” said Sauca. “Whether it is a human chain of beautiful voices in song, or a quiet prayer uttered in a corner by someone who fears for their loved ones, every voice for peace matters.” Sauca also encouraged strengthening interreligious bridges in peace-building across the world. “As we get ready as Christians to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, Muslims and Jewish communities are celebrating Ramadan and Pessach during the same time period in 2022,” reflected Sauca. “The thought of visibly joining hands in a human chain with our partners is inspiring in a time when we are all yearning for peace.” As pilgrimages, prayers, songs and light displays unfold across the world, WCC is encouraging sharing on social media to bring forth the unity among all those striving for peace and use the hashtags #Pray4Peace #One4Peace.   Find the “Pray for Peace” hymn here See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland