Sanctuary for Peace
May 22-26, 2025
Christ Episcopal Church will host “Sanctuary for Peace,” a community gathering offering prayers for peace and maintaining a vigil for peace in our sanctuary during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Open for all people of all faiths! Click to view our daily worship & events schedule.
From May 22–26, downtown Dayton will be transformed into “NATO Village” when the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, including 300 parliamentarians from the 32 NATO countries, comes to town. This historic session aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, and marks a major moment of diplomacy for the Gem City.
Christ Episcopal Church Dayton is near the center of the secure zone, yet our church building will not stand empty; in recognition of the powerful need for peace in our time, we will offer “Sanctuary for Peace”.
Who Can Attend?
What's Offered Each Day?
What is the NATO PA?
Who Can Attend?
Anyone! This event is for everyone in the community who wishes to offer words of encouragement and support for the work of peace, both through NATO and throughout the world.
Although Christ Church is inside the security zone, access is available by foot from about 1-2 blocks away. You can find information on parking and security zone access points below — keep scrolling! We’ll do our best to update street access information as soon as possible should any unexpected changes occur.
What's Offered Each Day?
The church sanctuary will be open from 8am-8pm each day.
Throughout the day we’ll have prayer resources & prayer stations, music, and art projects to help guests engage in prayer and peaceful contemplation. Download the Worship & Event Schedule
Structured prayer time will take place daily at 1pm (led by community faith partners from various practices & backgrounds) and at 7pm (evening prayer in the Episcopal tradition). Download the Prayer Booklet
We can’t wait to see you soon!
What is the NATO PA?
Did you know that since its founding in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly serves as a critical link between NATO and the citizens of the Alliance through their elected representatives?
Find out more about NATO PA, their mission, and objectives by clicking here: https://url.nato-pa.int/about
Watch the video below to learn how the Assembly:
– Fosters Transatlantic Parliamentary Dialogue and Diplomacy
– Connects NATO and National Parliaments
– Shapes NATO Policies and Promotes Transparency
– Furthers Democracy
– Builds Partnerships to Address Common Security Challenges
Parking & Entry Points
These are preliminary maps provided by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, and are subject to change. We will make every effort to keep this section updated with current information
Daily Worship & Event Schedule
Click here to view & download our Prayer Booklet
Sanctuary Open Daily, May 22-26, 8am – 8pm
Thursday, May 22
1pm Guided Prayer by the Interfaith Forum of Greater Dayton (livestreamed)
7pm Evening Prayer (livestreamed)
Friday, May 23
1pm Guided Prayer by University of Dayton Campus Ministers (livestreamed)
7pm Evening Prayer (livestreamed)
Saturday, May 24
10am – noon Make a Mandala with an Artist
1pm Guided Prayer by The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White, DSO (livestreamed)
7pm Evening Prayer (livestreamed)
Sunday, May 25
1pm Guided Prayer by Rev. Jason Alsbaugh, First Baptist Church (livestreamed)
2pm – 3pm Guided Labyrinth Walk
7pm Evening Prayer (livestreamed)
Monday, May 26
1pm Guided Prayer by Father Anthony Cook, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (livestreamed)
7pm Evening Prayer (livestreamed)