WCC NEWS: Churches invited to join global Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and Discrimination

Churches around the world are being invited to unite in prayer, reflection, and action during the Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination, taking place 19–25 March.  19 March 2026 Through worship resources, scripture reflections, and intercessory prayers, the week offers congregations an opportunity to confront injustice and renew their commitment to the Christian vision of unity, dignity, and justice for all people. The week of prayer is closely connected to important international observances in March that highlight the ongoing global struggle against discrimination. This week came about due to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March) and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. March also includes Zero Discrimination Day (1 March), which emerged in the context of HIV and AIDS but has since been embraced more broadly to spotlight discrimination faced by minorities based on work and descent. Throughout the week, churches are invited to reflect on scripture passages and prayers that highlight the many dimensions of discrimination and the Christian call to overcome them. One reflection focuses on racism and the role of young people in building a more just future. Drawing on the apostle Paul’s message that “there is no longer Jew or Greek… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus,” the resource reminds believers that faith calls Christians beyond racial and social divisions. Young people today often experience racism and discrimination in ways that lead to anxiety, distress, and exclusion, yet they also possess the energy and vision needed to challenge injustice and build new paths toward reconciliation. Another reflection centers on the call to love one’s neighbour, inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan. In a world increasingly shaped by an “us versus them” mentality, Christians are reminded that the gospel calls them to embody compassion and solidarity that transcend boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or social status. Gathering under the banner of God’s love and grace, believers are invited to witness to a unity rooted not in uniformity but in shared faith. The prayer resources also confront the injustice of caste discrimination. Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, worshippers are reminded that Christ consistently crossed the rigid social boundaries of his time. His ministry reveals a kingdom where hierarchies collapse and where dignity is restored to those pushed to the margins. The church is therefore invited to confess its own complicity in systems of exclusion and to become an agent of reconciliation and healing. Other reflections challenge believers to recognize the “gates” that divide societies, drawing from the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. The story warns against the danger of indifference—seeing suffering yet doing nothing. It invites Christians to examine how historical and contemporary systems, including colonialism, economic inequality, and social privilege, continue to separate communities and deny justice. Additional prayers emphasize the inclusion of persons with disabilities as indispensable members of the body of Christ. Inspired by the apostle Paul’s teaching that “if one member suffers, all suffer together,” the reflections affirm that diversity within the church is not a weakness but a gift. True inclusion means recognizing that every person carries gifts essential for the life of the community. The week also highlights the dignity and rights of children, recalling Jesus’ command: “Let the children come to me.” In a world where conflict, displacement, and discrimination deprive many children of their childhood, churches are encouraged to protect, nurture, and listen to the voices of young people. The Week of Prayer concludes with a call to deep solidarity and transformation. Through lament, thanksgiving, and intercession, believers remember the painful histories of slavery, racism, and exploitation while recommitting themselves to justice and reconciliation. Churches, ecumenical partners, and faith communities are encouraged to organize worship services, prayer gatherings, and educational events during the week. By praying together and reflecting on these themes, Christians around the world can bear witness to the gospel’s promise of reconciliation and help build societies rooted in dignity, justice, and peace. Download resources for the Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination, 19–25 March 2026 (in english) Learn more about the WCC work on overcoming Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia WCC offers new anti-racist and anti-bias material for churches and communities Download the full publication "Anti-Racist Churches: Ecumenical Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, and Anti-Discrimination Contextual Bible Studies" Download the full publication "Anti-Bias Churches: An Ecumenical Anti-(Un)Conscious Bias Toolkit" 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