Major Christian churches and ecclesial communities in Canada issue a “Canadian Pastoral Letter” urging Christians and all people of good will to join in common prayer and action for peace in Ukraine.
By Christopher Wells
On the eve of the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, national representatives of Canada’s Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant communities signed a “Pastoral Letter on Ukraine, Canada and the Church », urging Christians to pray and act together for peace. in Ukraine.
The Pastoral Letter was published in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Churches, whose members include the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the World Evangelical Alliance and the Evangelical Association of Canada.
A call to prayer and action
“Without in any way minimizing or ignoring the suffering and grief caused by war and violence in other parts of the world,” the letter begins, “we are united in inviting Christians and all people of good will to reflect in prayer as we are all called. , and could contribute to the establishment of peace in Ukraine and for Ukraine.
The Pastoral Letter deplores the “massive” human suffering caused by the Russian invasion, denouncing in particular the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as violations of human rights and freedoms. “The forced removal of children from their homes and families is of particular concern,” he says.
Demand an end to the war
The letter calls on Russian leaders “to end this war, to end this unjust aggression, to end the violence against Ukraine and its people, and to immediately withdraw their military forces within internationally recognized borders.” of Ukraine – including Crimea. »
The letter goes on to suggest meaningful ways Christians can foster peace, including through prayer, support for Ukrainian refugees, and calling for diplomatic steps toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
You can find links to the full text of the Pastoral Letter, in English, French and Ukrainian, on the website website of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
