Day of Prayer for an end to the arms trade

2011's Campaign Against Arms Trade Christian Network Day of Prayer marked the beginning of the week in which the world's largest arms fair (DSEi) took place in the UK, and a poignant date ten years from the attacks on the twin towers: Sunday 11 September 2011. Many were already reflecting on the legacy of that day: war, increased inter–community tension, and an increasingly militarised approach to human security.

The prayers, worship and resources for the day focused on these cycles of outrage and suffering which are still ruining the lives of millions, destroying whole towns and cities and wasting precious resources. In 2009, our government invited repressive regimes who have this year turned their weapons on their own people to attend the arms fair. Yet in 2011, the event boasted that it would be "bigger than ever".

The CAAT Christian Network has a response to evil: It is a spiritual response involving prayer and worship. Our starting point is that all people of every faith or of none are spiritual beings now striving to live life to the full today. We proclaim the Gospel aspiration that all people deserve equal dignity and respect. There is no place for hatred, prejudice, violence, war or genocide. All are equal in the eyes of the Creator of life. If we have been given the gift of faith we must respond as that gift demands and an informed conscience insists.

The Day of Prayer materials remain relevant to adapt for use in your community.

I would like to say how pleased I was to be able to attend the service... [It] was very well put together, and I found it extremely moving.

A previous participant in the Day of Prayer writing to her local newspaper in Penarth

This was the theme of the Day of Prayer in 2011. If you would be interested in ordering a copy of the materials, please contact outreach(at)caat·org·uk.