February 24, 2022
Though we have been anxious about the recent growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and between Russia and the NATO countries in recent weeks, we remain deeply concerned, as we have been since 2014, for the impact of this ongoing conflict on innocent civilians throughout Ukraine. All parties to the conflict must take every measure possible to protect civilians. All parties and the international community must renew efforts to de-escalate this threat to international peace and security.
All our religious traditions call us to pray and work for peace. We join our voices and hands together. We must open our eyes to those who are suffering, and we cannot remain indifferent to the injustice this conflict has brought on the people of Ukraine and may bring on people of neighboring countries.
We call on all those involved—whether governments, movements or individuals—to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our congregations and communities to pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail in Ukraine.
Join us as we pray:
Oh Divine, most mighty, most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. Oh Divine, most majestic, most motherly, grant us your life. Amen.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Eddy Alemán
General Secretary, Reformed Church in America
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer
General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, National Ministries
Bishop Sally Dyck
Ecumenical Officer, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton
Fifth Episcopal District, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Chair, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
President, Churches Uniting in Christ
Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller
President, Provincial Elders' Conference, Moravian Church Northern Province
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Mr. Basharat Saleem
Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia
Executive Director, Religions for Peace USA
Rev. Chris Thore
President, Provincial Elders' Conference, Moravian Church Southern Province
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
