Across North America and the world, we are seeing a frightening rise of authoritarian governments. In the United States, ICE is tyrannizing communities by kidnapping, imprisoning, and deporting loved ones. The administration is steadily eroding the rights of groups including migrants, LGBTQ+ people, women, and people with disabilities and dismantling life-saving public services. In Canada, we are seeing both federal and provincial governments bring forth multiple oppressive bills: restrictions on migration that will result in many students and workers losing their status, “security” and “tough on crime” bills that will increase surveillance and incarceration, and “economic security” bills that fast-track resource extraction projects with little regard for Indigenous rights or environmental impact. The violence of empire is all around us.

As followers of Christ, the church is called to emanate Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry here on earth. As governments attack and imprison our neighbours, we are called to stand alongside them – to join them in community and work together for liberation. The church’s witness during this turbulent time is critical. It is at times like this that we look to Jesus on how to love our neighbours and resist violence.

We know that as congregations of faith and peace, you are striving to support your local communities that are witnessing and experiencing violence. Despite the violence and fear around us, we want to stand together and work for peace. On November 8th, 2026, CPT wants to invite your congregation to take part in a Peace Sunday. CPT has put together a Peace Sunday Worship Toolkit for congregations that includes scripture, stories, poetry, litanies, and sermon prompts. We also want to encourage you to invite a CPT speaker that Sunday to speak to your congregation either virtually or in-person. And as we look forward to another 40 years of peacemaking, we ask that your morning offering be a donation CPT.