UnitingWorld and the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) are calling on UCA members to pray for peace as tensions rise dramatically between India and Pakistan, deeply impacting the lives of people living in border communities.
On May 6, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of airstrikes targeting locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes were in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. Pakistani officials report at least 31 people killed and dozens more injured in the strikes.
Security has been tightened across northern India, particularly in Punjab. Schools have been closed in Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Pathankot districts, and panic is spreading as people stock up on food and fuel. A nationwide civil defence drill has been conducted across 244 districts to prepare for possible escalation.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced on May 10, bringing a temporary halt to the worst fighting between the two nations in decades. However, sporadic violations have been reported, and many civilians remain displaced, hesitant to return home due to ongoing fears.
UnitingWorld’s partners in the Diocese of Amritsar report that all community development and education activities have been suspended, and staff are staying in close contact with local leaders to assess needs and offer support.
“The primary concern is the safety of communities residing in the border areas,” wrote Samson Ram, Project Officer for the Diocesan Social Empowerment and Education Project. “The prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty and fear has caused panic… people have started stocking up on food items, fuel, and other items of necessity.”
In a powerful display of unity and compassion, the Christian community of Amritsar, led by Bishop Manoj Charan, held a candlelight march to honour the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and express solidarity with their grieving families (header image and below). Bishop Manoj Charan said at the event,
“Let us unite in prayer, compassion, and solidarity, standing together against all forms of violence and hatred. In this time of grief, may the love and peace of our Lord be our guiding light, and may we emerge stronger and more united in our pursuit of peace and humanity.”

UnitingWorld’s National Director Dr Sureka Goringe is urging all supporters to hold the people of India and Pakistan in prayer, especially our partners in the Church of North India.
“As followers of Christ, we are called to respond to fear with faith and to conflict with compassion. We stand with our partners in prayer and love, believing in God’s peace that surpasses understanding,” said Dr Goringe.
The President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Charissa Suli, has sent this message of solidarity:
“In this time of escalating tension between India and Pakistan, our thoughts and prayers are with our cherished partners in the Diocese of Amritsar and the communities they serve. We know these rural border communities are under immense stress, with schools closed, daily life disrupted, and anxiety rising.
As the Uniting Church in Australia, we stand beside you in faith and compassion. We honour the courageous work of your leaders, who continue to bring light and care even in these difficult days. You are not forgotten. You are held in prayer.”
Please join us in prayer:
A Prayer from Rev. Charissa Suli
God of Peace, draw near to your people in Punjab. Wrap each family in your protection. Calm hearts gripped by fear, and guide leaders with wisdom and care. Strengthen your church to be a witness of peace and hope. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
We walk with you in love, hope, and unwavering solidarity.
A Prayer from Rev. Dr Apwee Ting
God of peace,
God of all peoples and nations,
We lift before You the people of Pakistan and India, especially as tensions rise along their shared borders.
Lord, in Your mercy, bring wisdom and courage to those in leadership.
May efforts for peace prevail over the threats of conflict.
Lead both nations toward a path of reconciliation, justice, and mutual respect.
We remember the communities who live in the shadow of uncertainty—in Kashmir, Punjab, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur.
You know their fears, their hopes, and their daily struggles.
Be near to them, O God.
Protect their homes, sustain their livelihoods, and restore their sense of safety.
We also pray for the Church in North India, especially the Diocese of Amritsar.
Strengthen their ministry, bless their projects, and empower them to be agents of healing, hope, and compassion in their communities.
May their witness be a light in the darkness and a refuge for the weary.
God of comfort, surround all who are anxious and afraid.
In the midst of tension and turmoil,
may Your peace take root.
Where there is despair, sow hope.
Where there is division, build bridges.
Where there is fear, pour out Your love.
We place our trust in You, O God—
Maker of peace,
Bearer of hope,
Giver of life.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.