The President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), Dr. Christian Krieger, called on Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to raise his voice clearly against Russian aggression in Ukraine and to contribute to efforts to end the war and achieve peace.
“Religious and political leaders around the world, as well as believers from various churches, expect you to recognize aggression, call on your country’s political leadership to end the war and return to the path of diplomatic dialogue and international order,” the president’s letter said. CEC to Patriarch Kirill, published on March 4, 2022. “We call on you to confirm the value of all human lives, including the lives of Ukrainian citizens who are under attack.”
Krieger says, like millions of Christians around the world, he is horrified by the aggression of the Russian armed forces against Ukraine, civilians and thousands of people fleeing the country. “At the same time, I am discouraged by your frightening silence about the unprovoked war that your country has declared against another country that is home to millions of Christians, including Orthodox Christians who belong to your flock,” he added.
“As churches, our horizon is above national interests. I firmly believe that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ carries a message of peace for all mankind and calls for deep respect for the dignity of every human being. This message is rooted in the mercy of the Triune God and the forgiveness that God gives by giving Himself to everyone who comes to Him. “This message calls on Christians, churches and church leaders like us to be ministers of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
“I beg you to raise your voice to end the war. I pray for the victims of this war and for all those who work for peace, “Krieger concluded.
In the same vein, he appealed to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church on March 2 this year and the Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Professor Archpriest Dr. Ioan Sauca (Romania).
