We know these are dark days, with too many people turning to violence. In the United States, many are feeling scared after the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump. Armed conflicts continue in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar, and many of the communities where Maryknoll missioners serve in East Africa, Asia and Latin America are also afflicted by violence. We want to offer five things you can do to stop violence and build peace in our broken world.
- Pray for peace in our hearts, in our communities, and in our world. As Christians, we can look for guidance in Scripture which tells us our God said, “Let light shine out of darkness.” Click here to find a prayer for peace that you can use personally and with your community.
- Bring Solidarity Sunday to your church, July 21. On Sunday, July 21, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) calls upon churches in the United States and worldwide to pray for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East as part of Solidarity Sunday. CMEP offers resources to shape Sunday prayers, worship and liturgy, including videos from Palestinian Christian leaders including Bishop William Shomali of Jerusalem. Sign up to receive resources at https://cmep.org/event/solidarity-sunday/
- Join the “Prayer for Justice and Peace at Netanyahu Address” in DC and online at 9am ET Wednesday, July 24. For more information, visit the CMEP website.
- Raise your voice for Sudan: Act Now to Stop Another Genocide. Send a letter to Pres. Biden asking him to work for a truce in Sudan and expansion of corridors for humanitarian aid and safe passage for civilians to evacuate Darfur. Click here to send your message to Pres. Biden.
- Tell Congress to Stop the Flow of Guns to Haiti. Congress has the power to address the rampant and dangerous weapons exports that undermine communities in Haiti and around the world. Click here to send a message to Congress.
Photo by Sunguk Kim on Unsplash.