(Oct. 15, 2026) – For decades, the annual multifaith observance has united faith communities in worship and advocacy to center youth voices and help every child thrive.
Media Contact: Kwentoria Williams, kwilliams@childrensdefense.org, CDF Communications Director, 469-602-2357 (on-site DC contact); John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This weekend, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, will oversee The National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®, a multifaith event embraced by hundreds of denominations and faith groups across America.
CDF designates this third weekend of October as a time for diverse faith communities to unite in worship, education, and social justice advocacy by participating in the observance. The initiative urges congregations to center youth voices during their weekend services and activities so that they may foster dialogue and action focused on helping every child in America thrive.
Participants are encouraged to organize a variety of activities that elevate youth voices and concerns. These range from dedicating worship services and prayers to young people’s needs, to hosting educational programs on the systemic barriers that hinder their flourishing. To support these efforts, CDF provides all participating congregations with a guide to help them plan their Children’s Sabbath.
On Sunday, October 18, CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson will participate in Children’s Sabbaths activities hosted by Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. Journalists and the public are invited to watch his sermon live here.
What: The National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths® – Washington, D.C.
When: Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Where: Metropolitan AME Church | 1518 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Who: CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
Livestream: Watchlive on Metropolitan AME’s Facebook and YouTube pages
Dr. Wilson said the annual observance is more than a single service or event but rather a movement of the multitudes intentionally working together to center the voices, needs, and concerns of children.
“We are renewed by works that center children, like The National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths,” Dr. Wilson said. “This is a united moral witness for children that crosses all lines of geography, faith tradition, race, and ethnicity. The observance of Children’s Sabbaths honors a multifaith lens and is endorsed by more than 200 denominations, faith groups and communities, and religious organizations.”
As part of the observance, CDF is also encouraging congregations to discuss the importance of democracy with children through CDF Action’s Voting Rights are Children’s Rights campaign. The campaign offers resources to help faith leaders guide conversations that center young people and the issues they face when preparing for the upcoming midterm elections.