This Sunday, 3^rd April, York Minster will join churches and faith organisations in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, in an act of witness, to pray, and to light candles for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and to remember all those affected by the terrible impacts of the war. The service will be led by the Revd’ Canon Maggie McLean, Missioner. Everyone is welcome to attend.

As well as individual churches incorporating special prayers into services, there will be public acts of witness at 2pm in towns and cities, organised by Christian Aid and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). The organisations have released an official prayer for #WePrayForUkraine for church congregations and communities:

God of all peoples and nations,

Who created all things alive and breathing,

United and whole,

Show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence.

We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia,

Every child and every adult.

We long for the time

When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares

When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.

We cry out to you for peace;

Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety

Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones

Be with those who are bereaved.

Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression

And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.

Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour,

And a passion for justice to prevail

and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace.

Creator of all hear our prayer

And bring us peace. Make us whole.

Amen.