Reflecting on the four-year mark of the conflict in his country, Bishop Pavlo Shvarts, head of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine said: “It is a tragic day for our people and our history.” At the same time, he continued, “we sincerely thank all of you who continue to pray for us and to keep our church in your heart.” Urging people to continue supporting the church’s efforts to keep hope alive in the midst of the conflict, he added: “We are deeply grateful for your open hearts, for your willingness to continue supporting people in Ukraine.”
Earlier in February, LWF President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær and General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt sent a pastoral letter to Bishop Shvarts giving thanks for the “faithful witness” of the church in Ukraine, describing its diaconal work and pastoral care as a “strong witness to the resilience and compassion at the heart of the gospel.” The LWF leaders describedas “reprehensible” Russia’s recent intensification of drone and missile attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, with deliberate attacks on energy infrastructure as temperatures drop to -20°.
In an earlier statement on Ukraine, LWF urged the international community “to act decisively to facilitate negotiations for peace with justice, and to ensure the protection of civilians.” Noting that “the humanitarian crisis is deepening,” while “international funding is shrinking,” the statement insisted that “Russia’s war against Ukraine must stop. International law must be upheld ensuring accountability and guaranteeing the safety of civilians.”
