EUROPE - Bishops call to the leaders of the nations to put an end to the war and on all Christians to continue praying for the gift of peace

Bratislava (Agenzia Fides) - Members of the Joint Committee of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) are "calling leaders of the nations and the international community to do everything in their power to end the current war in Ukraine that is destroying lives and causing untold suffering". They then appeal to continue praying for the gift of peace: "we call on all Christians to join us in this prayer while strengthening their efforts in affirming the value of life and actively promoting reconciliation".
The declaration sent to Fides, drawn up during the meeting that took place on March 21 in Bratislava, Slovakia, underlines that the "heart of the Christian faith is peace and reconciliation, exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ". It also stresses that "religion cannot be used as a means to justify this war. All religions, and we as Christians, are united in condemning the Russian aggression, the crimes that are being committed against the people of Ukraine and the blasphemy that is the misuse of religion in this context".
The Joint Committee gave thanks for the work of churches and NGOs, together with authorities in the neighbouring countries of Ukraine and beyond, in welcoming those fleeing the war. "We especially acknowledged voices of the Russian people, who strongly protest against the invasion, and we stand in solidarity with them in their struggle", the declaration concludes, urging them to "continue all life-affirming endeavours that give witness to the Love of Christ for our neighbours". (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 23/3/2022)

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