Defence Sunday
What is Defence Sunday
Defence Sunday is a nationwide expression of partnership between the local Anglican churches of Australia and Anglican Chaplains serving in the military.
Why Defence Sunday
Every year, on the Sunday before Remembrance Day, local churches across Australia acknowledge and further commit themselves to support and pray for Christian ministry in the Defence Force.
How you can participate in Defence Sunday
Many local churches will invite a chaplain to deliver an address, interview or a sermon on Defence Sunday.
Alternatively, a short spot during the service can be set aside to draw attention to the work God is doing through Defence Anglican Chaplaincy.
A video may be played or a PowerPoint presented alongside brief talking points, leading into a time of prayer for Defence Chaplaincy, ADF personnel and their families – all resources are available on the Defence Anglicans website
Prayers
From a Prayer Book for Australia, page 204
God of love and liberty,
We bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy.
We remember those who in time of war faithfully served their country.
We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost.
Almighty God, we remember with thanksgiving, those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in times of war.
We Pray that their offering of their lives may not have been in vain.
May your grace enable us this day to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace; and give us the wisdom and strength to build a better world.
Amen
(Chaplain Stephen Gibbins)
Resources
Resources are available below to use for your parish:
- Video Message from Bishop Grant Dibden
- 2024 Presentations and Downloadable PDFs
- Video from Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, his Family Story
2024 Video Message from Bishop Grant Dibden
If you would like a downloaded version of this video to play in your church presentation, fill in the contact form requesting the link:
2024 Presentations and Downloadable PDFs
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves’ Family Story
Anglican Archbishop to Southern Queensland Jeremy Greaves, recounts his Great Uncle, Bill Johnson an Army Chaplain who served at El-Alamein in Eygpt in WWII and his commitment to those serving. He give thanks to Defence Chaplains serving today.