Chichester Quakers have invited residents to take part in a Pause For Peace Day on Sunday 4 October, a day of silent reflection and public activity intended to draw attention to the human cost of war in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere.
What is planned and who can attend
The gathering, which is open to everyone whether they have a faith or not, will combine quiet reflection with opportunities to learn about the local history of Quaker activism. The programme, organised by Chichester Friends Meeting, includes a short silent vigil, a historical walk along North Street and a discussion about the Quaker Peace Testimony at the Friends Meeting House.
- 12.30pm – short silent vigil at Chichester Cross
- 1.00pm – a walk along North Street to the house of early Chichester Quaker Margery Wilkinson and a short talk
- 2.00pm – refreshments and a discussion on the Quaker Peace Testimony
- 3.00pm–4.00pm – global live link-up with Quakers around the world for a collective prayer for peace
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12.30pm | Silent vigil at Chichester Cross |
| 1.00pm | Walk to Margery Wilkinson's house and talk |
| 2.00pm | Refreshments and discussion at Friends Meeting House |
| 3.00pm–4.00pm | Global live link-up for a prayer for peace |
Why Quakers are organising the day
Quakers have a long history of opposing war and promoting non-violent responses to conflict. The Chichester event is framed as a response to widespread anxiety about ongoing international wars and their human toll. The organisers say the day is intended both as remembrance and as an expression of collective refusal to accept war as inevitable.
“There is so much anxiety about our world today and particularly the wars that seem never to end, costing the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent people,”
The quotation above is from Cheryll Pitt of Chichester Quakers, who urged people to use the day to contemplate and, if they wish, to join in silent prayer, meditation or discussion.
Local context and the meaning for Chichester
For Chichester residents it will be an opportunity to join a recognised local tradition of public witness. Quakers in the city are inviting people to gather in public spaces familiar to many — Chichester Cross and North Street — and to participate in a communal act that combines silence with learning and global connection.
Organisers stress the inclusive nature of the day: attendees need not be members of the Religious Society of Friends to take part. The event also links local civic space with an international network of Quaker meetings, underlining how residents in a relatively small city can visibly connect with wider movements for peace.
Chichester Quakers trace their roots back to the 17th century. Historically they have issued declarations opposing war; an early anti-war statement from 1660 famously rejected violence and the use of outward weapons. The Pause For Peace Day follows that tradition while offering a contemporary format of vigil, historical reflection and a digital global gathering.
What attendees should know
The event is largely outdoors and includes a short walk along North Street, so attendees should dress for the weather. Participation is flexible: people are invited to join for part of the programme or the whole day. There is no charge for attendance and refreshments will be available during the discussion at the Friends Meeting House.
Those interested in attending can turn up at Chichester Cross at 12.30pm on Sunday 4 October. The organisers say the day will be an open space for quiet remembrance and conversation about peace in an unsettled world.
Further information: the event is organised by Chichester Friends Meeting; participants of all backgrounds are welcome.
