The Lausanne War and Peace Cohort
The Lausanne War and Peace Cohort is an initiative within the Lausanne Movement designed to bring together believers, leaders, and influencers to address issues of conflict and promote reconciliation from a biblical perspective.
Collaborations with the Lausanne Cohort on War and Peace and NEME
On September 10, 2025, the Freedom and Justice Issue Network of the Lausanne Movement convened the "Day of Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land," co-hosted by Michael El Daba, Lausanne Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, and Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Those joining the online vigil centered their prayers on petition and lament, coming together before God to ask for an end to all war, conflict, and injustice in the Holy Land and grieving the enormous suffering and loss of life in Israel-Palestine. Moreover, the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort was also commissioned during this time. This Day of Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land was led by 14 guest speakers and supported through 8 co-sponsors, including the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME).
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On December 17, 2025, the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) and the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort jointly hosted a prayerful Advent vigil titled, "On Earth, Peace: A Global Advent Vigil for a World in Conflict." This virtual gathering provided a space for reflection and affirmation of hope in a time of conflict and suffering. The event brought together a diverse group of voices, featuring 11 speakers who shared perspectives and prayers from various regions of the world. Over 40 participants joined the vigil to unite in prayer to seek healing and solace this Advent season.
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On March 11, 2026, the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) and the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort jointly hosted a "Lenten Prayer Vigil for Peace." This gathering featured 9 speakers who shared their heartfelt experiences and prayers calling for an end to conflicts around the world and a return to the reminder of Jesus's love for everyone. We joined together in this prayerful vigil to unite in hope for peace wherever violence has taken root during this Lenten season.
On behalf of The Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME), Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Lausanne War and Peace Cohort Chair, invites you to read the "2026 Summer Edition of Ziyou: The Lausanne Movement Freedom and Justice Issue Network." This edition of the Ziyou journal features pieces that focus on Christ-centered compassion and advocacy for equality, peace, and justice for all.
On August 18, 2026, the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East and the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort hosted the first session of the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort: A Learning Community in Prayer Series, titled "Bringing Middle East Wars to an End." This prayer webinar was facilitated by Lausanne War and Peace Cohort leadership team member Michael El Daba. He was joined by Rev. Dr. Jack Sara and Lisa Loden in prayer and discussion about current realities and their personal perspectives on what is happening in the Middle East. In this prayer-centered event, several people gathered virtually to lift their prayers to the Lord. You may watch the recording and continue to pray for peace
On September 30, 2026, the Lausanne War and Peace Cohort and Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) hosted the second session of “The Lausanne War and Peace Cohort: A Learning Community in Prayer,” entitled "Overcoming Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)." In this webinar, we learned from Pastor Alexis Ruhumuriza and Pastor Georges Budagu Makoko about the DRC's tragic history and ongoing violence. We then gathered in prayer for hope and peace to touch the lives of people living in the DRC. If you are interested in learning more about the personal journey of Pastor Georges Budagu, you can read his book, "Ladder to the Moon - A Journey from the Congo to America."