CPCE Statement on the War on Ukraine

As Churches, We Speak Out

Witnessing in the face of Power

As churches, we are called to speak out against injustice and suffering and to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak (Prov. 31:8). In the light of our responsibility before God, our fellow humans and creation, CPCE condemns the Russian Federation’s unilateral attack on the sovereign state of Ukraine as a breach of international law and a violation of human rights. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matt 5:9). This means that churches can never sanctify war or violent conflict. We strongly oppose military aggression as an inadequate and unacceptable means of conflict resolution. At the same time, we are called to responsible action and to protect the vulnerable. Therefore we agree with the United Nations Charter that Ukraine has the legitimate right to self-defence.

We believe it is the vocation of the state to serve God’s will of justice and peace for all humankind. We recognise the decisions that states have taken to offer support to Ukraine through the supply of defensive equipment. The complexities of the issues at stake here might threaten to overwhelm and paralyze us. How can we as churches be agents of peace and reconciliation, yet not be silent bystanders in the face of  gross injustice and human rights violations? There are no easy answers. And we acknowledge that every action – and inaction – involves guilt. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, “Everyone who acts responsibly becomes guilty”. Yet we trust in the grace of God, who calls us to responsible action. Responsibility also includes the willingness to engage in critical self-reflection. We recognize and repent where we, our churches, our theologies have become complacent, focused on ourselves and our needs and neglecting our foremost task to be “salt and light to the world” (Matt 5: 13-16). Responsibility includes the willingness to be discomforted. Effective economic sanctions against Russia inevitably impacts the standard of living within own communities. Here, it is the task of the churches to act as vicarious representatives and to draw attention to the weakest in society, in our own CPCE countries and beyond – as the war in Ukraine has disastrous consequences also for many vulnerable countries in the Global South (for instance, rising food and gas prices).

Standing in Solidarity

We stand in solidarity with the people in Ukraine suffering tremendous hardship. We stand with people in Russia who are willing to risk fines or even imprisonment for their courageous critique of Putin’s war.  We stand with people in neighbouring countries who feel threatened. We support them through our prayers, words and action. At the same time, we make it clear that while we condemn Putin’s war of aggression, we do not hold the entire Russian people accountable. We firmly reject anti-Russian acts and sentiments.

Working for Reconciliation

As churches, we witness to the truth that this world has been reconciled with God through Christ and that we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17), not only with God, but also among humankind (Eph 2:14-16). History shows that sustainable peace needs reconciliation. Putin’s war against Ukraine and his threats against NATO and Western countries demonstrate that after the end of the Cold War, opportunities for genuine and sustainable reconciliation were missed as latent hatred, prejudices and stereotypes were allowed to linger. As this war prompts new reflections on issues of security, defence and cooperation in Europe, we commit to participating in this process, not least through our engagement in reconciliation in Ukraine and beyond.