Faith Leaders Urge Global Moral Stand for Ukraine Amid Ongoing War
Faith Leaders Urge Global Moral Stand for Ukraine Amid Ongoing War
As Russia’s brutal aggression in Ukraine escalates, religious leaders across denominations are calling for a united and clear moral witness to support peace and justice.
During a Global Interfaith online meeting last Thursday, Ukrainian faith leaders issued a passionate appeal for solidarity. The session, hosted by the Schuman Centre for European Studies in Amsterdam, marked International Criminal Justice Day. The timing highlighted calls for accountability over war crimes linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, for whom international arrest warrants have been issued.
Participants from 17 countries joined the meeting, which was convened at the request of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO). Their message was simple yet urgent: silence is no longer an option.
The AUCCRO’s public appeal, shared ahead of the gathering, called on believers in democratic nations and people of good will to rise in defence of truth and justice. It condemned Russia’s continued assault and demanded global action to stop what they called a “terrible war.”
Faith leaders described the horrors Ukraine continues to face: bombed cities, displaced families, closed places of worship, persecuted clergy, and abducted children. The war has not only violated international law it has shattered lives and communities.
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“We ask you to pray,” Yevstratiy said, “because we believe that God acts in history. He can stop the bloodshed and bring peace.”
Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, emphasized that meetings like this are more than symbolic they are moral choices. “They show where we stand: on the side of peace, not war,” he said.
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The session ended with the adoption of an Interfaith Declaration of Conscience and Solidarity with the People of Ukraine. It affirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defence, condemned Russia’s invasion, and rejected neutrality. Signatories pledged moral witness, prayer, humanitarian support, and continued advocacy.
Faith networks including the Conference of European Churches (CEC), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), 24-7 Prayer, the European Prayer Breakfast movement, and others, stood united in support.
Dr. Douglas Johnston of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy noted that faith, when rightly channeled, can heal deep wounds and even resolve entrenched conflicts.
Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of the CEC, underscored the Church’s duty: “European churches must not stand silent. The gospel demands justice. We stand with Ukraine for life, dignity, and peace.”
Furthermore, declaration wasn’t merely symbolic it launched a global campaign of prayer and advocacy. Father Oleksa Petriv of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church reminded attendees that such efforts must be ongoing and tangible.
As part of this initiative, faith communities worldwide are encouraged to mark Ukrainian Independence Day on Sunday, August 24, as a Global Day of Solidarity. Churches and organizations are urged to hold sermons, concerts, vigils, and public events. At noon, a minute of silence for the victims will be followed by a “loud clamor for justice” with bells, car horns, and drums echoing across communities in a united cry for peace.
In the face of war, faith leaders are asking the world not to look away but to stand, speak, and act for Ukraine.
CONTENT CREDIT: BLESSING DADA
IMAGE CREDIT: catholicreview.org
