New Apostolic Church
International

Zurich. Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber is calling upon New Apostolic congregations around the world to participate in the International Day of Prayer for peace. In a letter addressed to all district apostles, the international president of the New Apostolic Church writes: "The wish has developed in my heart that our Church - and thus all New Apostolic Christians around the world - should also do their part to pray for peace."

For a number of years the United Nations has designated the 21st of September as an international Day of Peace. This year, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called upon all groups of society to make a special commitment to this ideal. As it did last year, the World Council of Churches (WCC), headquartered in Geneva, is also calling upon its approximately 350 member churches to expand this day into an International Day of Prayer for peace.

Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber is likewise calling on all New Apostolic Christians to participate. In the midweek services scheduled for 21 or 22 September, all priests and officiating ministers are to open the service with a prayer for peace in the world. In congregations where there are no services scheduled for 21 or 22 September, this can also be done on 25 September. On 18 September, local rectors are to make their congregations aware of this Day of Prayer for peace, and announce that our Church will also be taking part in this special effort.

A few thoughts on the significance of peace can be expressed at the start of the divine service. Suggestions include the familiar words of Paul: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12: 18), or one of the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5: 9).

In his letter to the district apostles Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber expressed that we should not be indifferent to the suffering and misery of so many people around the world. "Peace has become very fragile," said the chief apostle.

The New Apostolic Church has 11 million members in over 70,000 congregations (see www.nak.org/news/20050317-216-d.html).