As the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches February 24, Christian leaders of Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical and other faith traditions in Canada, together with the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace & Reconciliation Network, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and The Canadian Council of Churches invite all Christians and people of good will to join in united prayer and action for peace.
This call to prayer and action – signed by 45 Canadian Church leaders – also acknowledges ongoing conflict elsewhere in the world:
“Without in any way minimizing or ignoring the suffering and sorrow caused by war and violence in other areas of the world, we stand together in inviting Christians and all people of good will to prayerfully consider how we are all called, and might contribute to, the achievement of peace in and for Ukraine.”
The Church leaders encourage six meaningful actions members of the public could take to foster peace, such as:
- Praying for peace in Ukraine and around the world;
- Building collaborative relationships; and
- Observing a day of prayer and remembrance on February 24.
“Ukraine has been an area of great concern for Canadians. We need to keep praying and working for peace,” says David Guretzki, president of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The pastoral statement was prepared and endorsed by The Canadian Council of Churches, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the World Evangelical Alliance.
The churches ask:
Given the horrific and brutal nature of war, we ask ourselves, “What is God calling us, as Canadian Christians, to do?” For if one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it (I Corinthians 12:26). What is God calling us to do? “Whatever we can, wherever we are?” Everyone has a role to play.
The document is signed by:
- The Rev. Dr. Das Sydney, President of the Canadian Council of Churches
- Dr. David Guretzki, President & Resident Theologian for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
- Rev. Joel B. Zantingh, Canadian Coordinator of the Peace & Reconciliation Network
Many other leaders have signed as well, including the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, United Church of Canada, Presbyterian Church in Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Mennonite Church Canada and Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Read the full document here.