WCC NEWS: WCC invites global ecumenical community to prayers for peace

The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites people and churches to join in global prayers for peace, starting with the Middle East on 26 March. The WCC invites people and churches all over the globe to join global prayer for peace in the Middle East. File Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 17 March 2026 In a world marked by growing conflict, suffering, and uncertainty, the WCC reaffirms its calling as a fellowship of churches to stand together in prayer for peace.  As part of this commitment, the WCC is initiating a series of global prayers for peace, to bring the worldwide ecumenical community into a shared rhythm of spiritual solidarity, intercession, and hope.  Rooted in faith and grounded in the conviction that prayer is both witness and action, the initiative reflects the vocation of the churches to accompany those who suffer and to uphold the dignity of all people. Middle East the focus of first global peace prayer The first focus of the global prayer initiative is on the Middle East, in light of ongoing war, the destruction of lives, and the deepening humanitarian suffering affecting communities across the region.  The Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East will be held online on 26 March at 15:00 CET, inviting churches, congregations, and other people and partners around the world to join in a shared act of prayer across traditions and contexts. The moment of prayer responds directly to the voices of church leaders who have called for strengthened spiritual solidarity and accompaniment in this time of crisis.  Through the initiative, the global fellowship is invited not only to pray for those affected, but to pray with them—drawing from the spiritual traditions and lived faith of the churches of the region.  A common prayer resource will accompany the gathering, offering prayers from the Middle East to guide in shared moments of intercession and hope. The WCC invites all churches and people of goodwill to take part in this ongoing commitment to prayer, bearing witness together to a shared longing for peace, justice, and reconciliation. Attend the Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East (26 March 15.00 CET) WCC hosts consultation with heads of churches in the Middle East Joint statement on widening conflict in the Middle East raises deep concerns for humanitarian and social impact Peacebuilding in the Middle East 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