Colombia Days of Prayer and Action
Now is the Time for Peace with Justice:
Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
April 26-29, 2013
Now is the time for Peace with Justice in Colombia! On April 26-29th communities across the United States will come together in solidarity with people in Colombia to mark the Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia. Faith groups and advocacy organizations collaborate on this project each year to elevate voices of faith and conscience as they call on policy makers to promote real change in U.S.-Colombia policy.
With the Colombian government and the largest guerrilla group, the FARC, currently engaged in peace negotiations, there is renewed hope for an end to the war in Colombia. After five decades of unspeakable violence, forced displacements, widespread massacres, threats against unionists and human rights activists, and the economic and social exclusion of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, we join Colombians in saying now is the time for peace.
Ways to Engage
Pray - Lift up personal prayers for the people of Colombia and organize a service in your local church or community. Incorporate prayers, readings, and reflections from the Days of Prayer and Action worship packet written by DOPA partner organization the Mennonite Central Committee. Download the worship packet here: DOPA Worship Packet
Act – U.S. policy for the last decade has fueled this war. We have been working with our Colombian partners and you to change U.S. policy to make room for peace. Lift your voice by signing the Days of Prayer and Action petition and tell President Obama that NOW is the time for peace with justice! Background information and other group actions, including crafts, are available in the DOPA Organizing Packet.
Learn More about the Colombia Days of Prayer and Action
Justice and Witness Ministries invites your congregation to stand with the global faith and advocacy community in support for peace in Colombia. Participating in the Days of Prayer and Action is one concrete way that your congregation can stand in solidarity with the people and churches in Colombia. Each year churches in Colombia call on their sisters and brothers in the United States to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the country. Respond by taking a day to remember by praying and worshiping, and then act by asking your government to take action to call for justice in Colombia.
Join hundreds of people of faith and advocates in the United States and Colombia to pray and take action for peace in Colombia.
April 28 is the Day of Prayer where congregations will join in worship with Colombian brothers and sisters who endure great suffering and yet respond in faith and sow seeds of peace.
April 29 is the Day of Action to witness and call on U.S. policy to promote peace and justice in Colombia.
How your congregation can respond
1. Download the Organizers Packet available in pdf
2. Let us know you want to participate as a congregation and see which other congregations in your area are getting involved. (email neurothm@ucc.org)
3. Organize a planning committee- a group that can meet regularly to discuss the worship service or other liturgical events, as well as discern an appropriate way to witness the US foreign policy impact on Colombia.
4. Start learning and sharing about Colombia with resources on our website, and other resources about Colombia’s struggle.
5. Get your conference on board – call or send an email to the conference or association minister letting her/him know that the Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia are happening and that your congregation is supporting the event.
6. Follow the Days for Prayer and Action through Facebook
Learn more
“When I visited Colombia last year, I realized how beautiful this country is. Colombia is rich in culture and natural resources. I admired the work of local churches and community leaders who find ways to respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by decades of armed conflict… In accordance to our 24th General Synod, we call our churches to support the humanitarian and peace work of our Colombian brothers and sisters. Days of Prayer and Action is a great way to get involved. Engage your faith community in this important event for peace in Colombia”. ~Mike Neuroth~
“Every year we gather and work in our local churches to raise awareness of the impact of the U.S foreign policy towards Colombia. Days of Prayer and Action has united our spirit for one cause and strengthen our relationships with the people of Colombia, to whom we know and care for”. ~Barbara Gerlach~
