Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City
Church leaders can prepare now for the possibility of ICE incursions into our sacred spaces. Governor Healy released new statewide guidance for Houses of Worship. Church leaders should also report any misconduct by federal agents at mass.gov/fedmisconduct.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches will host Governor Healey’s Office of Refugees and Immigrants to explain new statewide protocals for interactions with ICE.
***Updated Schedule due to the Heat **DUE TO THE HEAT WE HAVE MERGED THE TWO PROGRAMS AND CANCELLED THE WALK.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we invite people of all faiths and of goodwill to gather in prayer, song, and community, and to walk together in support of democracy, justice, and liberty. We will also read from the Declaration of Independence.
At this milestone in our nation’s history, we are called not only to celebrate, but also to act. We are deeply grateful for the blessings of our democracy, and we recognize that some of our nation’s core commitments need our renewed attention and care: justice and kindness, due process and the rule of law, voting rights, immigrant rights, and the dignity of every person.
Join Prayers for Liberty as we gather on the Lexington Battle Green and then walk together to Arlington, lifting up these beloved American principles in a spirit of hope, faith, and nonpartisan civic responsibility.
This gathering follows the spirit of our Prayers for Liberty gatherings and walks from last year.
8:45am — Clergy and faith leaders gather at Hancock Church across from Lexington Battle Green
9am Prayer Gathering on the Lexington Battle Green, near the Minuteman Statue. We will sing, pray and reflect together.
10:00Am — Program concludes.
DUE TO THE HEAT WE HAVE MERGED THE TWO PROGRAMS AND CANCELLED THE WALK.
Yes. This gathering is open to everyone: people from churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, other houses of worship, and those not connected to any faith community.
This is a nonpartisan event. We welcome people from across the political spectrum who want to stand together for democracy, justice, kindness, due process and the rule of law, voting rights, and immigrant rights.
Please spread the word.
Please dress comfortably for the weather. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and clothing appropriate for a summer morning.
To help keep the focus on our shared values, please do not wear clothing with political slogans, partisan messages, or words or images that may alienate others.
Yes, but signs should focus only on the values we are lifting up together: democracy, justice, kindness, due process and the rule of law, voting rights, and immigrant rights.
Please do not bring signs that mention political parties, political candidates, elected officials, or signs that mock or attack others.
Lexington Alarm signs are welcome. We will also bring Prayers for Liberty signs.
The spirit is joyful, prayerful, hopeful, and positive.
Bring friends, family, or just yourself. Meet new people. Schmooze. Sing. Pray. Walk. Lift your voice for democracy and justice.
Please stay on the sidewalk, obey all laws, and do not engage with anyone who tries to provoke or distract us. We are gathering with positive energy and a shared commitment to our country’s highest ideals.
If you are walking, please bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a hat. Bring an umbrella or rain gear if needed.
The event is rain or shine.
Please park legally near the Lexington Battle Green or in the Hancock Church parking lot.
The walk is approximately six miles, from Lexington Center to Arlington Center along Massachusetts Avenue.
Yes, please share this invitation widely with your communities, clergy, local leaders, elected officials, and news media.
Clergy and faith leaders should gather at 8:45 AM at Hancock Church.
Please contact Elissa Oppenheim in Rabbi David Lerner’s office at Temple Emunah in Lexington.
Phone: 781-861-0300
Email: EOppenheim@TempleEmunah.org
Please REGISTER HERE
In honor of America’s 250th year, the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will carry the theme One Nation Under God. One Nation Under God is not a slogan—it’s an invitation to realign our lives, communities, and country under the sovereignty of Christ. It’s a call to build unity through prayer, and to let Jesus, present in the Eucharist, renew and heal the heart of our country, one soul at a time. As pilgrims on this route, we walk with Christ so that His love might draw our nation back to Him. You’re invited to join us, in person or in spirit, and offer prayers and sacrifices for the renewal of America.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will pass through the Archdiocese of Boston from June 26th through June 28th with special events in Lexington, Plymouth, and along the Freedom Trail. This pilgrimage is an invitation to realign our lives, communities, and country under the sovereignty of Christ, to be one nation under God.
We invite you to join as a community of all faiths for a “Prep and Pray” event before the No Kings Action in Boston Common on March 28th. We’ll gather at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul at 138 Tremont St., across from the Park St T Station, at 12pm (an hour before No Kings) to sing together, center in prayer, and build community to be ready for what’s next. This is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, Episcopal City Mission, and our Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Please register here.