PRESS RELEASE: CHURCHES INVITED TO UNITE IN GLOBAL PRAYER FOR STUDENTS

Churches are being invited to pray for students around the world on Student Sunday, 16 February 2020.

Student Sunday, known internationally as the Universal Day of Prayer for Students, is one of the oldest global ecumenical days of prayer, and recognises the extraordinary contribution of students to the life of the church and their role in serving their communities. It also highlights the challenges facing students, and their need for continued prayer and practical support. Lisa Murphy, Acting National Coordinator of the Student Christian Movement said:

“On Student Sunday we invite churches and individuals to join us to pray for students around the world, to lift them up in prayer and give thanks for all that they offer to our communities. This year especially we pray for students who find themselves on the fringes, particularly students from black and ethnic minority communities, and LGBTQ+ and disabled students, that they can find a place of welcome within the Church where they can be nurtured as God’s children.”

SCM has created a resource that includes prayers and practical tips from students as well as church leaders to help churches mark Student Sunday with their congregations.

Walter Brueggemann, Theologian at Columbia Theological Seminary, underlines the importance of prayer in the introduction to the resource, saying:

“As long as we pray together, we will not give in to the fear, greed, and violence that besets our world. We will not lose heart but will have the stamina and energy for our vocation as God’s own witnesses.”

You can find out more and download the resource here

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Student Christian Movement is one of the oldest Christian Student organisations in Britain. Founded in 1889 it celebrates 130 years of student mission and ministry in 2019. The movement is made up of a network of individual members, student communities and link churches and chaplaincies.

Student Sunday, or the Universal Day of Prayer for Students, is promoted internationally by the World Student Christian Federation, which brings together over two million students worldwide through over 100 affiliated student and youth movements.