This International Women's Day on 8 March, we are inviting people to thank and affirm the women who have encouraged, mentored and empowered them.

UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer has offered a #IWD message and a prayer to use in worship.

PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Liberating God,
We thank you for the ways you lead us into freedom and expressions of our fullest humanity.

Empowering Christ,
bless us with courage to follow you in advocating for all those who experience oppression.

Life-giving Spirit,
Inspire us to shape communities of love, respect and mutuality.

We thank you for women who have led the way in our Church – who have been bearers of your good news through their teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.

We thank you for women who have led the way in calling for gender equality.

We thank you for women who have preserved culture and language and led the way in shaping a vision of society in which all cultures are valued and respected.

We thank you for men who share in partnership with women, in advocating for respectful relationships and a world of equality and mutuality, in which all people can flourish.

We pray for women throughout our world, who experience discrimination, and whose voice is diminished. May their voice be heard.

We pray for women who risk their lives in speaking up for human rights.
May we work together so that our world is a more just place for all.

We pray for women who live in situations of violence. May they find safety, hope and healing.

God of love and grace,
Bless us and equip us to be bearers of your liberating hope in the world.

Through Christ, our Life and Hope,

We pray,
Amen.

Written by Dr Deidre Palmer