Date: 01 April 2022
This Sunday, churches and Christians from across the UK and Ireland will join together in an act of witness, to pray for the people of Ukraine and for an end to the conflict.
Churches of all denominations are being urged to pray for Ukraine and to hold a visible act of witness – including the lighting of candles - in their local community.
National events will also take place in London, Edinburgh, Wales and Northern Ireland. In London, people are expected to come together, light a candle, and pray for the people of Ukraine outside the Ukrainian embassy.
Churches and Christian organisations continue to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine with prayers and appeals for aid. Christian Aid is working with partner organisations through the ACT Alliance to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
“'When we pray, we invite the presence of God into the messiness and darkness of our world,” says Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury. “When we pray together, we witness to the possibility of unity and the promise of reconciliation that God promises us in Jesus Christ. I urge all Christians to come together to pray and light candles for the people and the peace of Ukraine: to pray for hope for those fearful of the future, to pray for God’s comfort for those suffering, and to pray for the Holy Spirit to turn hearts towards the compassion and justice that the resurrected Christ promises us will eventually prevail.”
The Chair of Christian Aid and former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, added, “Like the people of Ukraine looking out for their neighbours or the charity workers delivering emergency food to people seeking refuge, we must bring hope. With one voice, we are uniting behind a simple message: immediately agree to a ceasefire and unequivocally commit to protect civilians and key services. Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to the people of Ukraine. By joining us, you can give hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.”
Archbishop Justin Welby is joined by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitasare, Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, Bishop Tedroy Powell, The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Lord Wallace and The Most Reverend Andrew John the Archbishop of Wales supporting this vital act of witness.
Find more information here