Churches across the UK and around the world are being invited to take part in Sea Sunday 2026, a global day of prayer, reflection and action for the 1.9 million seafarers who keep our world moving by sea.
Organised by The Mission to Seafarers, Sea Sunday takes place on Sunday 12 July 2026 and carries the theme “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers.” The theme calls churches to reflect on how they can become places of welcome, safety and hope for those who often work unseen and far from home.
Seafarers: Essential, Yet Largely Invisible
Every day, seafarers transport around 90% of global trade, including the food, fuel and goods that sustain daily life. Many spend months at sea, separated from family, navigating isolation, exhaustion and uncertainty, often with limited access to communication or support when crises arise.
For more than 170 years, The Mission to Seafarers has stood alongside these men and women through a global network of chaplains and volunteers, offering practical, emotional and spiritual care in over 200 ports worldwide.
A Biblical Call to Compassion
The Sea Sunday 2026 theme is inspired by Matthew 25:31–46, where Jesus identifies Himself with the vulnerable and reminds His followers that when they welcome and care for “the least of these,” they are serving Him. The campaign encourages churches to see themselves as modern-day harbours, places of refuge, dignity and connection for those facing life’s storms.
Real Stories, Real Impact
At the heart of Sea Sunday 2026 are real human stories. One such story is Sally, a seafarer and new mother who had to return to sea, leaving her three-month-old baby in the loving care of her extended family. A simple visit from a Mission to Seafarers chaplain offering a listening ear and a free SIM card enabled her to see her child again through a video call, providing comfort and hope at a critical moment.
“These small, compassionate acts can make a life-changing difference,” says The Mission to Seafarers. “Sea Sunday reminds churches that hope doesn’t always arrive in grand gestures. Sometimes it comes through presence, listening and practical care.”
How Churches and Individuals Can Take Part
Sea Sunday invites churches and individuals to pray, give and take action:
- Pray for seafarers, their families and those who support them
- Act by hosting a Sea Sunday service using free worship and children’s resources
- Give to support chaplaincy visits, emergency aid and communication for isolated crews
A full range of downloadable resources, including sermon outlines, prayers and fundraising ideas, is available here.
A Global Moment of Solidarity
Each year, Sea Sunday unites churches of many traditions in a shared moment of compassion for the global maritime community. In 2026, The Mission to Seafarers is encouraging even more congregations and communities to take part, helping ensure that no seafarer is forgotten or alone.
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