Today, the need for peace on Earth is greater than ever.

Yet, the possibility of peace seems ever elusive and impossible. Worldwide wars of terror between extremes of religious and political fervor heighten tension and deepen fear across America and around the Earth. Abuses and excesses by powerful political, economic, military, and religious authority seem more uncontrolled and unrestrained than ever. Continued assaults against the integrity and stability of Earth's living systems are near a "point of no return."

The first purpose of the Onondaga Lake Peace Festival is to call people to Onondaga Lake to pray for peace. Prayer for Peace ceremonies are monthly from Summer to Winter Solstice, morning and evening, for any who share concern to bring peace and healing to our planet.

Prayer
Leaders of many faiths are invited to pray for peace at the start of each hour. The Festival ends at sunset with a water pouring ceremony on the lakeshore. Prayer for Peace ceremonies will also be held sunrise and sunset on Monday, September 11.

Peace Pilgrims
Peace Pilgrims will canoe from Onondaga Lake east down the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers to The United Nations International Day of Peace at in New York City. These Peace Pilgrims will carry Festival prayer water to the Atlantic Ocean.