10 March 2014
In a letter addressed to the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, the Conference of European Churches expressed their “profound concern for the well-being of the churches and people” in Ukraine following the recent “worrying developments” in the country.
“Through this letter, we wish to reiterate our solidarity with you and support your call for peace and an immediate stop to any interference that would polarise and cause further division of Ukrainian society,” stated CEC President Bishop Christopher Hill and General Secretary Rev. Dr Guy Liagre, who signed the letter.
“The Conference of European Churches wants to ensure that all diplomatic and peaceful means are employed by those in power so that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are preserved.”
The letter was sent in the wake of the intervention in Crimea of troops loyal to Russia which has heightened tensions not only in Ukraine but also between Russia and the major powers.
“We pray for strength and wisdom for all political leaders that they may truly represent the legitimate desires of all Ukrainians and be persuaded to choose diplomacy and dialogue over military intervention, democracy and human rights over authoritarian rule,” the letter stated.
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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a communion of 115 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all European countries, and 40 organisations in partnership. It was founded in 1959. The CEC has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.
For more information:
CEC General Secretariat
Phone: +41 22 791 6228
Fax: +41 22 791 6227
Email: GenSecretariat@cec-kek.org