NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
	WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2004

September 21 has been designated by the UN General Assembly as “World Day of Peace.” The objective of the day is “To encourage a worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observance for peace and nonviolence.” Every house of worship and place of spiritual practice and all religious and faith groups are asked to demonstrate the power of prayer in promoting peace and preventing violence. Individuals and groups are invited to support this worldwide initiative by committing themselves to a 24 hour vigil for peace on September 21. For more information: www.idpvigil.com

If you are not able to have/organize a 24 hour vigil, you can have a shorter vigil or prayer service in your community or with other communities or with people of other religious faiths on that day. Enter your commitment on www.idpvigil.com, under ‘make a vigil commitment’ giving details of your name, address, etc. Kindly inform VIVAT Central Office in New York regarding your commitment.

Michael Heinz, SVD Congregational JPIC Coordinator in Rome thinks that this would be also a wonderful opportunity to practice ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.

He has suggested the following Prayer for Peace:

Prayer for Peace

Islamic Prayer

Oh God, You are Peace.
From you comes Peace,
To You Returns Peace.
Revive us with a salutation of Peace,
and lead us to your abode of Peace.

(A saying from The Prophet, used in daily prayer by Muslims)

He has mentioned the following web site for more interreligious prayers: http://www.peaceprayer.org/