WCC News: World unites in prayer for Ukraine

The Global Prayer for Ukraine, which took place on Ukraine’s Independence Day on 24 August, united more than 500 churches and communities from 44 countries in prayer and solidarity with people of Ukraine standing up against the war of aggression. Ecumenical Prayer for Ukraine held at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine on the occasion of Independence Day with participation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska and leaders of churches and religious organizations in Ukaine, 24 August 2025. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine 29 August 2025 Numerous churches from Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, as well as Ukrainian diaspora communities worldwide took part in the prayer initiative. Organizers of the prayer reported that, through registration on their website alone, more than 500 churches from 44 countries joined the 24-hour prayer chain, with the actual number of participants even higher.  Besides the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which represents over 95% of religious communities in Ukraine, the prayer initiative for Ukraine was endorsed by Pope Leo XIV of the Roman Catholic Church, the World Council of Churches, the Baptist World Alliance, and numerous other church communities, reaching millions of Christians worldwide. On 24 August in Ukraine, Christians from different church traditions—Orthodox, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, Protestants—united in common prayer in Ukraine’s city squares, parks, churches, and in the open air. In Kyiv, an interdenominational prayer took place with all the heads of the Ukrainian churches together with president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Prayers were also held in many churches throughout the country. “The Global Prayer for Ukraine is not just a one-time event, but a spiritual bridge that unites millions of believers across the globe,” said Vitaliy Orlov, coordinator of the Global Prayer for Ukraine. “For us, this initiative is a sign of God’s support and a powerful testimony of the solidarity of Christ’s church, united in faith and in love for Ukraine.” Organizers asked churches around the world to continue praying for the swift arrival of a just peace in Ukraine. The prayer asks for the protection of civilians from Russian bombardments, the return of 20,000 Ukrainian children from Russian captivity, for congregations whose church buildings are destroyed and whose clergy are being persecuted or killed, and for the rebuilding of the country and healing of all who have suffered from the war. The Global Prayer for Ukraine also provides daily updated prayer points through two messaging channels, where church leaders can subscribe, on WhatsApp and Telegram platforms. Churches invited to join global prayer chain for Ukraine and the end of the war (WCC news release, 21 August 2025) WCC calls for stop to attacks on Ukraine, urges dialogue not violence (WCC news release, 28 August 2025) Learn more about the Global Prayer for Ukraine 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 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, September 1 and Sunday, August 7, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, September 1, 2025 - That people find satisfaction is their work. 
• Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - That people are sensitive to the vulnerability of their neighbors.
• Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - That loving families would be valued and protected by all authorities in this nation.
• Thursday, September 4, 2025 - That people reflect the love and mercy of God in their daily lives.
• Friday, September 5, 2025 - That the Body of Christ claims a renewed sense of unity.
• Saturday, September 6, 2025 - That we celebrate the gifts and talents that God has given us.
• Sunday, September 7, 2025 - That people take seriously God's call to be good stewards of creation.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, August 24, 2025

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the sermon series  I Believe: Exploring the Apostle's Creed , the congregation of Sligo Presbyterian Church is using  The Apostle...

Sunday's Message - I BELIEVE in Jesus Christ,...who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - I BELIEVE in Jesus Christ,...wh...: During the sermon series  I Believe: Exploring the Apostle's Creed , the congregation of Sligo Presbyterian Church is using  The Apostle...

World Evangelical Alliance: Join Us in Prayer – Every Wednesday Across Time Zones

As we draw nearer to the WEA General Assembly, we invite you to join hearts in focusing on the gospel. In a world filled with noise and conflict, it is to Christ, our peace, that we turn. The scripture verses that undergird our General Assembly are: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13–18) Over the next six weeks, we will meditate on these verses together—reflecting on God’s Word, hearing stories from the ground, and joining in prayer for our world. Wednesdays at: 10:30 am ET 4:30 pm CET 10:30 pm Singapore This is a short, focused time of collective prayer. Together we lift up the nations, the Church, and one another before God. Join us. It takes each of us living the gospel for the gospel to be with everyone. Pray With Us We look forward to seeing you there! In Christ, The World Evangelical Alliance. Over two billion Christians in the world today are represented by three world church bodies. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is one of those, serving more than 600 million evangelicals belonging to churches that are part of 143 national Evangelical Alliances in 9 regions. Launched in London in 1846, the WEA unites evangelicals across denominations for prayer, evangelism, mission, theological education, religious freedom, human rights advocacy, relief, and engagement in a wide range of social issues. It speaks with one voice to United Nations, governments, and media in public or through behind-the-scenes diplomacy on issues of common concern to the Church. For more information, visit worldea.org WEA has been a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1980. WEA is audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. WEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In the United States, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

© Copyright 2025 World Evangelical Alliance

WCC News: WCC extends condolences to people of Minneapolis in wake of school shooting

The World Council of Churches (WCC) extends condolences to the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota (US), after a shooter fired through the windows of a church in Minnesota on 27 August, killing two children. Fourteen other children and three parishioners were wounded during the first week of class at Annunciation Catholic School. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 28 August 2025 World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed solidarity with the people of Minneapolis, especially with those who lost loved ones in the attack. “As we stand with the Minneapolis community and churches in their grief and trauma, we will pray God’s strength for you,” Pillay said. “Violence against anyone—including these innocent people as they gathered to pray—anguishes us all.”  The shooter, who is dead, graduated from the school in 2017, according to a yearbook. WCC member churches in the United States 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 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Simplify your World Communion Sunday — Free Liturgy

Simplify your World Communion Sunday World Communion Sunday is a special day to gather as one body in the name of Jesus Christ all around the world, sharing in God’s love together. To help you plan with ease, the Peace & Global Witness Worship Liturgy is available on the Special Offerings website! It contains: Lectionary and daily readings. Prayers and a call to confession. Suggested hymns and prayers.  This free resource will help you lead your congregation in worship while pursuing what makes for the peace we know in Jesus Christ. Download the Liturgy “… Give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:79   Thank you for your continued support of the Special Offerings! Thank you for your generous support of Special Offerings. If you have any questions, reply to this email or call 800-728-7228, Ext. 5047.

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