Day of Prayer

October 1, 2006

Here are some suggestions to help you plan local reflection and education events to promote peace in Colombia and a better U.S.-Colombia policy. Please feel free to use your imagination in your celebration of Semana Por La Paz; these are just a few suggestions. Even if you have only a few people, there are many creative things you can do in your community to raise awareness and connect with people all over the U.S. and in Colombia. Click here to see some tips for organizing an successful event.

• Hold a vigil for peace in Colombia. Gather friends, community members, church members or students together in the evening to remember those who have been unfairly victimized by the Colombian conflict, and to reflect on the United States' role in the violence. You may use candles, join in moments of silence or prayer, and/or combine the vigil with a "walk for peace." Click here for more tips on how to organize a successful vigil.

• Plan a church or campus study group around a book or document about Colombia. See suggestions for documents in the resource section.

• Connect with your friends and family for peace! Get in touch with friends and family members around the U.S. and ask them to join you at a named hour of the day for shared (long-distance) reflection and action for peace.

One of the reasons that we come together to celebrate Semana Por La Paz is to show solidarity with our Colombian counterparts. A simple way to share your solidarity is to take pictures of yourself and your community celebrating Semana Por La Paz. Send them to info[at]peaceincolombia.org and we will share them with Colombians who also participated in the week for peace.

Click on a denomination below for information on how you and your congregation can participate in this event, including suggested sermons, prayers, and statements of support from these U.S. churches:

Catholic

Lutheran

Mennonite

Presbyterian

Quaker

UCC

Unitarian

Ecumenical Worship Resources

BULLETIN INSERT (pdf)

Protestant Church Leaders pledge action for peace in Colombia: A 2005 statement from CEDECOL, The Life, Restoration and Peace Commission of the Colombian Council of Protestant Churches

Colombian Catholic Bishops Conference leaders espouse Ten Principles for the Road toward Peace

The San Andres road map to peace: U.S. and Colombian protestant churches and the quest for peace in Colombia

For more information or to become a co-sponsoring church or group, contact Morrigan Phillips at morrigan[at]witnessforpeace.org or Jennifer Trowbridge at jtrowbridge[at]lawg.org.

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