Four Christian World Communions are strongly condemning the advance of the Russian military into Ukraine. 

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and the World Methodist Council (WMC) are calling for prayers of peace for the people of Ukraine and the region.

Insisting “Peace must prevail,” they have issued an invitation to an online prayer service on Ash Wednesday, 2 March at 17.00 CET. 

The service will bring together Christians from Ukraine and other parts of the world, seeking peace and an end to the ongoing conflict.  

The President and Vice President of the Methodist Church have joined voices from around the world calling for an end to the violence in Ukraine. 

In a statement Rev Sonia Hicks and Barbara Easton said : 

“We are horrified and heartbroken as we witness the violent assault on Ukraine by the Russian military. This devastating action and ensuing loss of life have rightly been condemned across the world. It is a very clear violation of the UN Charter and as such imperils the foundation upon which international security is built and on which we all depend. We regret the failure to build an understanding with Russia and we pray for the Ukrainian and Russian peoples, including the Methodist church leaders in the region and the Methodist communities across Ukraine. Christians are called to ‘pursue peace with everyone’ (Hebrews 12:14); this mandate is clear and requires courage, perseverance and understanding. We ask you to pray for all politicians, that there may be an to end to aggression and that dialogue, justice and peace may be established.”