14th November 2026

Two recent reports by the United Nations' children's agency UNICEF have highlighted the impact of conflict on children. The first, "Water Under Fire" was published last week and highlights how children as well as adults are being harmed due to attacks on civilian water infrastructure. The report covers 23 countries and territories between January 2021 and June 2026, and documents a sharp rise in attacks on water supplies, on water treatment plants, pipelines, wells, the people responsible for maintaining them, and the contamination of water sources and restrictions on access to spare parts and chemicals needed to keep water systems functioning.  Beyond the loss of drinking water, UNICEF warned that damaged sanitation systems are exposing children to disease and malnutrition. UNICEF also documented children being killed or injured while queuing for water, and women and girls facing additional risks when travelling long distances to collect water supplies. 

In a separate report, a UNICEF analysis of UN data from 2021 to 2025, found that explosive weapons have become the leading cause of child casualties in global conflicts. More than 35,900 children were killed or maimed during this period due to an increased use of these munitions in populated areas. Aerial attacks caused the most child casualties, while artillery and shelling ranked as the second deadliest. UNICEF is now calling on parties to conflicts and UN member states to strengthen child protections. 

You can read the "Water Under Fire" report here, and "Explosive weapons and child casualties in conflict: Five key facts" here. 

Loving God, forgive that children are harmed as a consequence of war. Forgive that water systems are deliberately targeted causing harm to children. Forgive that explosive devises are used with little thought for the welfare of children. Forgive that we seek to solve our differences or get what we desire through violence, death and destruction. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, help to to recall that he is the Prince of Peace and demands that his followers love their neighbours and their enemies and all who seek to do them harm.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

The Church of England's latest "Statistics for Mission" publication highlights that baptisms in the Church of England were 50 per cent more numerous in 2025 than they would have been if the projected pre-pandemic trend had continued. Whilst infant baptisms have fallen, baptisms in all age categories above five years of age showed an increase.  The number of adult baptisms was up by one third to 9,900 — “quite possibly higher than they have ever been”, the report says. Revd Michael Broadley has spoken about the experience at Emmanuel Church, Loughborough , UK. He said, that baptisms at the church had made a “powerful” impact on the existing congregation. Testimonies, including those delivered “haltingly”, had generated huge applause, and baptisms held at the traditional nine-o’clock service, with its largely older congregation, had provided a sense that “something is being passed on.” At one, 100 students came to support the candidate. 

Prayer based on Psalm 117

My all the nations praise you, Lord.

May your name be extolled among all peoples.

For great is your love toward us

and your faithfulness endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

Amen.