On Sunday 1 June the worldwide Anglican Communion is asked to observe Anglican Communications Sunday and to pray for the communication of the Gospel to all the world. This is the first time that the Anglican Cycle of Prayer (ACP), following the lead of the Roman Catholic church, has observed an official Communications Sunday.
Canon James M Rosenthal, Director of Communications for the Anglican Communion, said, "It is my earnest hope that the people in the pews and indeed those in leadership support the often sacrificial work done by press and communications officers throughout the communion."
Throughout the week of 1 June, Anglicans are being asked to pray for certain aspects of religious communications:
Monday 2 June
Pray for religious communicators: writers, editors, observers; for Internet publishers; authors and poets; for religious artists and musicians; and for all those who seek to spread the Gospel and the faith of Jesus Christ to every part of the world.
Tuesday 3 June
Pray for the ministry of the written Word in printed resources and on the world wide web.
Wednesday 4 June
Pray for the ministry of the spoken Word in the public square, in churches and on the Internet.
Thursday 5 June
Pray for the ministry of those who translate the Word into other languages, in Braille or voice recording, and in multimedia and other visual arts.
Friday 6 June
Pray for the ministry of the healing Word, and for those whose gift of God's grace, through touch, restores the sick or broken-hearted.
Saturday 7 June
Pray for the ministry of the Word in truth and in love, that it may unite us.
Canon Rosenthal said, "People always seem to raise the need for better communication, no matter what goes wrong. Here is a chance to encourage and challenge those who make up our budgets and set program, to stress the importance of this ministry."
A prayer for those who influence public opinion may also be used throughout the week:
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and publish (write) what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honour of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.