What is a silent walking vigil?
The vigil will begin with a short meeting for worship in the Quaker way. We will be walking quietly at a slow pace. A walking vigil is an inherently peaceful activity: not a protest, not a march, not a demonstration. We will pause along the route for further worship. The walking vigil will conclude with a final meeting for worship, at the end of the route.
Why is the walking vigil happening?
The walk is a positive, public witness for peace by Quakers, with an invitation to all who are supportive to join us. We want to show our solidarity and care for those impacted by violence, conflict and war. On the day, we’ll hold banners with the message “Quakers for Peace”. We ask everyone attending, please, not to bring any other posters, placards or banners. We will be there to bear witness to world peace.
When will the vigil take place?
Saturday 19 September 2026, from Noon-4pm. The date has been chosen for its proximity to the United Nations International Day of Peace (21 September).
Who is organising the vigil?
The walking vigil is being coordinated by a group of Quakers from across the UK – we see the event as a manifestation of Quaker light and love in action, rooted in Quakers’ long-standing commitment to peace.
Where will the walk be – what is the route?
The walking vigil will take place in central London and the exact route will be finalised nearer the time. Space to store luggage, as necessary, will be available in Friends House (173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ) on the day. More practical information about the vigil will be confimed nearer the time.
How much walking is involved?
In total the route is expected to be about one and a half miles. We will be walking quietly at a slow pace. You are welcome to join the walk for as long as you are able. We plan a pause, along the route, for a short meeting for worship.
How can I get involved?
Join us in London on 19 September 2026. If you hope to attend, let us know here . Promote the vigil and encourage Friends to join us. Download a poster here. Support planning and organisation, including practical help (like stewarding) on the day. Let us know you’d like to find out more here. Pray for God’s blessing on the vigil. Hold in the light everyone involved in planning, as we seek the leading of the Spirit in our preparations.
How can my meeting help?
The silent walking vigil for peace is a rallying cry for Quakers in Britain. Local and Area meetings can help by promoting the vigil and encouraging Friends to join us. We are aiming for an event at scale – a “loud silence” prominently visible in central London. We are also encouraging Quaker communities UK-wide to arrange local peace activities (for example a meeting for worship, a vigil, an on-line gathering) around the same date and time so that Friends unable to be present in London can also feel involved.
Is the walking vigil just for Quakers?
We have an inclusive vision for the event. We are thinking of peace in the broadest possible terms – peace in our lives, peace for individuals, peace for our communities, peace in the world, peace for the planet. All who are supportive of this vision are warmly invited to join the vigil. We are making contact with churches, faith communities and other groups with no faith connection, sharing information about the event and an encouragement to join us on 19 September.