The War in Ukraine – 1 Year Anniversary
Friday 24 February 2023
On Friday 24 February, many will be marking the 1st anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our hope is that we might all find a way to acknowledge the tragic consequences of the war and renew our commitment to pray and act for peace and justice.
If at all possible, we’d encourage you to observe the National moment of silence for 1 minute at 11:00 on 24 February. You may find these other resources of value as you lament the suffering and tragic loss of life over the last year, and consider what can we do to work for peace going forward.
Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain
Statement on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
It is with tremendous sorrow that one year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine there are few signs of the war coming to an end anytime soon. We have all seen the headlines; it is apparent that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian combatants have been killed or injured, and there have been tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties, including hundreds of children. 14 million people have needed to flee their homes and around 18 million are in desperate need of humanitarian support. These numbers are almost impossible to comprehend, but the images of distraught mothers and wives, and terrified children on our television screens, if nothing else, will surely bring us all to our knees in prayer. Our heartfelt solidarity is with all those who are suffering the devastating effects of this war and especially to those grieving the loss of loved ones.
Scripture is full of examples of times when God’s presence is tangible in the face of deep darkness. I am heartened, in some measure, by the glimmers of light kindled by Baptist churches in the UK, across Europe and in Ukraine itself which, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are fulfilling their calling to be peacemakers; demonstrating compassion and love at every opportunity. Across Baptists Together, I am inspired by all those who have sacrificially opened their homes, exercising hospitality for Ukrainian refugees. I am also deeply encouraged by churches offering food and clothing banks, English lessons, and wellbeing spaces. I will be praying that these lights will burn brighter still as the fighting continues.
Our first prayer, however, must be for an end to the war. The journey towards hope, peace, justice, and security is down a long and complex path, but it is one we must pray both Russian and Ukrainian authorities will soon embark upon together. Until then, may the presence of God be felt by all who suffer, and may we who have been comforted bring comfort to others. |
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