Churches are being invited to pray, reflect and respond around the anniversary of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine on 24 February. The Revd Fiona Bennett, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, has issued the following statement and prayer:

“The anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an occasion for lament and sober reflection. Over the last year, Russia’s military action has led to devastation and destruction on a massive scale, and thousands of deaths and casualties among Ukrainian civilians. Nearly eight million Ukrainians have fled the country to seek refuge. The conflict is also taking its toll on people in Russia, as economic sanctions bite, political freedoms and access to information are restricted, and many men have been conscripted to fight. The human cost of war is vast and the legacies of war stretch for generations. Our prayers are with all who suffer and grieve.

Amidst the overwhelming horrors of this war, there are nonetheless glimmers of hope. Ukraine’s people and its leadership have shown remarkable resilience in the face of President Putin’s aggression. The welcome that Ukrainians have found in other countries, including through many in the UK who have opened their homes to strangers, is heartening. We must be mindful that as the war continues, so does the need for generosity in offering hospitality and humanitarian support. So ‘let us not become weary in doing good’ (Galatians 6:9).

Ultimately, the suffering will only be ended by dialogue which establishes a just peace that provides security for all. As we express solidarity with the people of Ukraine on this sorry anniversary, we pray that opportunities will soon open up for this to begin.”

A prayer

God of peace and justice
With sorrow and lament, we hold the situation in Ukraine before you, a year on from the Russian invasion.
We long for an end to the conflict and the bloodshed and suffering.
We remember people in Ukraine living in fear of death and destruction.
We pray for all who grieve lost lives and opportunities.
May those who have been displaced find safety and welcome in their new communities.
We pray that those with authority and influence will work for a just peace which provides security for all.
As we hold in our prayers all affected by the war,
we pray that they may know that they are held in your loving arms.
In your name we pray,

Amen.

How you can get involved

On the day of the anniversary, Friday 24 February 2023, ecumenical services and vigils are being held in cities around the UK, organised in conjunction with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Community. Details can be found on the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website: Church response to Russian invasion of Ukraine

Christian Aid is inviting churches to join together in an act of witness to pray for Ukraine on Sunday 26 February, for an end to the conflict and for all those affected by the terrible impact of war. It is also asking for donations towards its work to assist people who have been displaced because of the conflict. Read more here: Prayers for Ukraine – Christian Aid

Further worship and reflection materials are offered by the Methodist Church-Ukraine Anniversary Services

There is an ongoing need for people to host people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Find out more about this, and other ways in which churches can and are responding to the situation, on the URC’s Crisis in Ukraine web page: Crisis in Ukraine – United Reformed Church

Image: Tina Hartung/Unsplash

The post Marking the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.

In response, the government opened up the Homes for Ukraine scheme for visa applications from individuals or households fleeing from Ukraine who have named people in the UK willing to sponsor them.

What is it like hosting a family from Ukraine? The Revd Nadene Snyman, who with husband Kevin, United Reformed Church (URC) Programme Officer (Global Justice & Partnerships), opened their home to a Ukrainian family, explains:

I’m the minister at Christ Church URC, Petts Wood, and Camberwell Green URC, and we loved the fact that Southern Synod gave the green light to hosting Ukrainian refugee families.

Kevin and I spent hours discussing whether to offer space in our manse to a Ukrainian family. There felt like so many unknowns and uncertainties. We both work in people-focussed professions, or “calls” to be more precise, and our home is an oasis and sanctuary for both of us.

The manse is a place of quiet, peace, and gentleness – an environment in which we are able to recharge for ministry. The thought of giving that up to offer strangers a space in our oasis made us a bit anxious. I am a glass ¾ full person. I plan for the worst while expecting the best. My mind went into overdrive with the myriad of things that could go wrong. We both looked at all sorts of possibilities and how we might creatively tackle any potential blockages to a happy home.

So, what made us change our minds?

Well, three things: lots of prayer, and asking ourselves: “What would Jesus want us to do in this situation?” Third, I have a member of my congregation who came to the UK with the Kinder Transport as a child refugee from war-torn Germany. Maria’s story is incredibly inspiring. She speaks about being hosted by a Congregational minister and the difference that made in her life.

With all of these pressing us forward, we decided to offer our home, and we sensed God bringing peace and gentle reassurance that all would be OK.

Once our decision was made, we soon heard back from a member of our local churches together who was in Warsaw at the time meeting with refugee families. He put us in contact with a mum and 17-year-old daughter who wanted to come to the UK. My heart leapt. We had two rooms and our preference leaned towards hosting older children, not younger. I was not quite ready for the manse noise levels to skyrocket! I know my limits.

We contacted Olga and Christina, and the form-filling marathon began. As the weeks went by, we found WhatsApp a friendly and convenient space for asking questions, sending photos, and sharing documents. One thing that has skyrocketed, I should say, is our loathing for the insane levels of bureaucracy required for people to cross borders.

Eventually visas were granted, and dates were set. The house took some arranging as the daughter, Christina, was writing her final exams of first year university. We created a study area. Both would have their own rooms and share a separate bathroom.

Being at the airport in that context was so strange. Our family was on a flight filled with refugees that were being picked up by host families holding placards and sharing hugs and welcome smiles. When our family walked through, I recognised them immediately and we all hugged like long lost friends. Both mum and daughter looked tired from months of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among hundreds of thousands of refugees in Poland.

Off to the manse we went.

There was something so special about those first few days of listening to their stories, and discovering what foods reminded them of home.

Christina sat her exams everyday online for three weeks along with attending online lectures followed by long hours of study. The house was so quiet as we all kept vigil while Christina focused on finishing her first year at the medical school of the International University of Kyiv. Olga has already set up a cleaning business and will soon not require Universal Credit. Talk about hard workers! Ukrainians are a wonderful, hard-working, and innovative people.

This has been such a bonding time with our little family. They have truly blessed us. We have celebrated our one-month anniversary. We all cook together most evenings which inevitably is filled with much laughter and sharing.

We discovered that Ukrainian and Afrikaans share some words in common and Kevin and I have discovered that we love Ukrainian food! We find joy in the ordinary things of life, like going to the beach, watching Brooklyn 99, and having meals out. Life with our new family feels normal and precious.

Even if our family went back to Ukraine tomorrow, we are forever forged and knitted together in love. We will always be a part of their lives and them ours. Christina’s future will be bright, and we are honoured to be a part of it. We talk today of blended families; well, we feel like a culturally diverse, extended family that is blessed to be sharing this journey together.

The post Hosting a Ukrainian family appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Since March, four trucks full of donations have made the trip from the church, which has served as a base for people to drop off essential items, to Poland. Plans for a fifth journey is underway.

The Revd David Downing said: “People are still connecting to us and still thinking that by doing this they’re doing what they can to bring a bit of peace, hope and love into a world that is so in need.

“There is that sense that sometimes we feel we can’t do anything to make any difference in this world but sometimes just donating one tin of food really does make a difference and this is one small way people really can bring a lot of joy.”

Jolanta Pietrusinska, whose hometown is near the Polish-Ukrainian border, has played a key role in helping co-ordinate the delivery of goods to those in need.

With links to families in Ukraine and towns on the border with Poland, Jolanta has provided first-hand knowledge of exactly what is needed which has fuelled donations.

Speaking in March, Jolanta said: “We need to keep going.”

“At the time of the Jubilee we always talk about the Queen giving us an example of what service to others actually means,” continued Revd Downing.

“This in some ways is continuing that legacy. We are serving people we may not ever know their names or who they are, but this is something we can do to help and we are refusing to give up on those in need.”

Image: Maidenhead Advertiser.

The post Maidenhead URC maintain tireless support for Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.

At the United Reformed Church (URC) 2022 Minister’s Gathering, hundreds of ministers and Church Related Community Workers (CRCWs) signed the back of a poster version of the cover of Reform’s April edition.

The moving cover reminds us to keep Ukraine in our prayers, and is available as a poster for churches, for free here.

The Revd Najla Kassab, a Lebanese pastor and President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches who was one of the guest speakers at the event – held from 9-12 May at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre in Stone, near Stafford – left the gathering earlier than expected as she was presented with the opportunity to travel to Ukraine to meet with the Bishop of the Reformed Church in Trans-Carpathia, Sándor Zán Fábián, in Kyiv.

Najla took the signed poster with her to show the Bishop the URC’s continued love, support and prayers for all affected by the murderous and unnecessary conflict.

Steve Tomkins, Editor of Reform, said: “It’s really good to see the cover of Reform turned into a poster and used by churches across the denomination. We distributed hundreds.”

The gathering was a space for ministers and CRCWs to be inspired and encouraged through a full programme of activities which blended keynote addresses, Bible studies, workshops, worship, including space for conversation and reflection.

Posters from Reform and other prayers and resources about the war are available here.

More about the Ministers’ Gathering can be found here.

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with news, comment, inspiration and debate find a range of subscription offers for Reform here.

The post Ministers’ show Bishop support with signed Ukraine Reform poster appeared first on United Reformed Church.

Among the faith leaders supporting the act of witness are the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, the United Reformed Church’s Programme Officer (Global Justice & Partnerships), and the Most Revd Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Across the country, churches of all denominations are encouraging congregations to pray for Ukraine and to hold a visible act of witness – including the lighting of candles – in their local community.

National events will also take place in London, Edinburgh, Wales and Northern Ireland. In London, people are expected to come together, light a candle, and pray for the people of Ukraine outside the Ukrainian embassy at 2pm.

Churches and Christian organisations continue to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine with prayers and appeals for aid. Christian Aid is working with partner organisations through the ACT Alliance to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

One of their partners, Hungarian Inter Church Aid (HIA), has sent food and other essentials to Transcarpathia in Ukraine. HIA has also scaled up a field office in Beregovo including providing tents, mobile toilets and blankets, to support tens of thousands of refugees.

Chair of Christian Aid and former Archbishop of York, the Revd John Sentamu, said: “Like the people of Ukraine looking out for their neighbours or the charity workers delivering emergency food to people seeking refuge, we must bring hope.

“That is why Christians from across the UK and Ireland – recognising the God-given human dignity and rights of every human being – are uniting in an act of witness to pray for Ukraine and an end to the conflict.

“With one voice, we are uniting behind a simple message: immediately agree to a ceasefire and unequivocally commit to protect civilians and key services.

“Every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to the people of Ukraine. By joining us, you can give hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.” Read more on this here.

There are three ways you can join us in standing United in Prayer for Ukraine:

1. Organise an act of witness with your church or local community at 2pm on Passion Sunday, 3 April. This could look like sharing prayers, wearing blue and yellow, lighting candles, holding a moment of silence, or holding up blue and yellow hearts as an act of solidarity during the time of prayer.
2. Join Christian Aid on Facebook throughout the afternoon on 3 April, to see updates from the Embassy of Ukraine. You could also share photographs of your act of witness on social media, using the hashtag #WePrayForUkraine
3. Share a post to encourage others to get involved and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Use the hashtag #WePrayForUkraine.

Digital resources:

• Find out how what your church can do here (PDF)
• Christian Aid prayer resources can be found here.

The post Churches across the UK and Ireland to unite in prayer for Ukraine  appeared first on United Reformed Church.

On 12 March, the Association welcomed refugees on the border with Ukraine to offer packages of food, 150 mobile sim cards preloaded with 15 minutes of call time and 20GB of internet to save data roaming charges.

Asea Railean, Co-President of the Moldova Ecumenical Women’s Forum, said the group of helpers met lots of refugees; mainly women, children and wheelchair users, and helped transport them to the Soroca Centre for refugees.

Of their efforts, Asea said: “We are very tired, but very satisfied of our work, because all the people we met and offered packages met us with tears in their eyes, hugged us and asked us to pray for peace in Ukraine.”

Over the following days, the group visited 570 refugees in the city and district of Soroca and delivered toiletries, warm meals, school supplies, toys, and nappies.

To aid the association, the United Reformed Church (URC) made a donation of £1,500.

Francis Brienen, URC Deputy General Secretary (Mission), said: “The Mission Team fully endorses Churches Together in England’s call for the immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine.

“We commend the work being undertaken to help refugees by so many wonderful people in neighbouring countries.

“We are especially grateful for Asea Railean in Moldova, director of the NGO Soarta, for her tireless work in supporting Ukrainian women and children.

“Asea is our URC contact in Moldova​ through the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women. If you would like to make a donation to SOARTA’s work, kindly message Kevin Snyman, Programme Officer (Global Justice & Partnerships) at kevin.snyman@urc.org.uk.”

The post Commitment for Life donation helps aid Ukrainian refugees appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The statement, issued on March 18, comes from the communion of 94 Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed and United churches from more than thirty countries in Europe and South America, including member churches in Ukraine and Russia, representing about 50 million people, for whom United Reformed Church General Secretary, the Revd Dr John P Bradbury, serves as co-President.

The CPEC statement said: “We stand together with all people suffering unbearable hardship in Ukraine. We do so in a threefold way: we pray, we speak out, and we help.

“Together, we pray, lament and lift up the people of Ukraine to the God of peace and justice. In prayer, we are able to articulate the horror and dread we feel as our continent is again torn apart by war.

“We speak out in condemnation of the breach of international law by Russia’s president Putin as we stand in solidarity with all sisters and brothers who work for peace and reconciliation.

“We help by giving according to our means to support all who suffer in terms of finance, goods, logistics and assistance to integrate in their new communities. We offer hospitality to those fleeing the atrocities of the war, as church communities and individuals.”

“As churches, we are called to speak out against injustice and suffering and to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak (Proverbs 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.”

The statement was issued alongside a prayer:

A Prayer for Peace

God Almighty – you are God of peace and justice.
We pray for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine,
and all places suffering because of war.
As we cry out to you in anger and anguish, we pray that peace will reign, and justice prevail.
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us.

Jesus Christ – you are the Prince of Peace.
We pray that arms will be silent.
We pray for those who have the power over peace and war.
Grant them wisdom and compassion in their decisions and lead them on the path of peace.
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us.

Spirit of Truth and Comfort – you have the power to heal and reconcile.
We pray for those, who have lost loved ones, their homes,
who are in dire need of food, drink, sleep, safety.
We pray that you keep your children safe.
And we pray that you may grant us discernment, open hearts and ready hands to assist those in need.
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us.

The statement concluded: “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.”

For the full statement visit https://www.leuenberg.eu/

Photo (GAW Leipzig): Charkiw/Ukraine, published 9 March 2022.

The post European Protestant churches condemn Russian attack on Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.

CTE Forum is the broadest gathering of churches and Christian organisations in England, gathering 52 national member churches, Christian organisations and intermediate ecumenical bodies.

Meeting at The Hayes in Swanwick from 14–16 March, the Ukrainian crisis was an urgent priority alongside its planned programme considering ‘Reconciling Hope — A Broken Church for a Broken World’.

The Presidents of CTE and the Fourth Presidency Group made this statement on behalf of the whole of Forum:

“As 300 delegates from 52 national Member Churches, numerous Christian organisations and ecumenical bodies from across England, we call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of invading forces and the observance of the Geneva Conventions.

In this holy season of Lent, we call upon churches everywhere to campaign for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, and to proclaim the dignity of every human life, whatever its nationality.

We welcome and commend the extraordinary efforts of countries neighbouring Ukraine in receiving refugees from the war and call on the UK and the whole of Europe to follow their example. We support every measure to protect the most vulnerable.

We commit ourselves to pray for the nations of Russia and Ukraine, our own Government and people, and for all who find themselves refugees, or bereaved, wounded or destitute. May Christ have mercy upon our world.”

Image: Gayatri Molhotra/Unsplash.

The post Churches call for immediate end to war in Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.

In total, 590 boxes of all sizes packed full of medical supplies, medicines, first aid kits, sanitary products, toiletries, food, sleeping bags, blankets and cutlery, along with more than 1,000 packs of nappies were driven to Ukraine on 10 March.

With links to families in Ukraine and towns on the border with Poland, first-hand knowledge of exactly what was needed fuelled donations.

It all started when three mums – Jolanta Pietrusinska, Natalie Capel and Hayley Mallalue – whose children attend Maidenhead’s St Piran’s School began discussing how they could help.

“We were all having separate conversations about how we wanted to help,” explains Hayley. “So, we posted a message on our Year 6 WhatsApp group enquiring if anyone wanted to make a donation.

“Jolanta’s family are helping on the border with Poland, and we thought we’d probably get a couple of hundred pounds and maybe 10 bags for life.”

However, the message went viral to friends and family, other social media groups, neighbours, businesses and social groups – including Simply Waste Solutions and the Handy Cross Indoor Bowls Club – and other villages in the area. Within 24 hours thousands of pounds had been raised.

Seeing how much people wanted to give, the three parents then set about raising even more and sought ways to deliver supplies to Ukraine.

Jolanta, whose town Tomaszow Lubelski is 15km from the border Hrebenne, says: “I thought in the beginning I was going to keep all the donations in my garage. When we started collecting things it quickly became too small and I couldn’t fit anymore. Somehow, we found David [the Revd Downing, Minister of Maidenhead URC] and he was like ‘use the church’.”

The connection came from a Polish lady who runs a Polish school at the church.

“She rang me and said do you have storage, and I was like ‘I’ll be fine in my garage’ and she said ‘ok. If you need it, just let me know.’ The next day I was like I need it,” continues Jolanta.

“With my town so close to the border, we know exactly where the refugees are and what they need and they’re waiting for our lorry. Every day more and more people are arriving in Poland. More than 1 million Ukrainians have crossed into Poland. My town is full. Other villages are full. My old school has 250,000 to 300,000 refugees sleeping in the hall. Polish families are collecting them and bringing them into their homes.

“They have to feed them, give them water, a room, a bedroom, something. Everyone helps. So, we need to keep going because this isn’t a one-off help. We need to keep sending because they need it.”

Natalie, whose family live in Poverhiv near the city of Lviv, agrees.

“Thankfully my family are ok,” she says. “They’re safe and away from the main bombing but it’s where everyone is running to, to get to the Polish border. There are armed guards on the streets. They’ve had night curfews, blackouts, they’re obviously on high alert and quite worried but safe.”

Teresa Lega, a member of St Edmund Campion Church Maidenhead, paid for the cost of the lorry out of her own pocket.

Her parents were Polish refugees to the UK during the Second World War.

“What’s really sad is that my mum is 93 and lives with Alzheimer’s,” said Teresa.

“Watching the news on the TV brings back horrendous memories for her. As a child she was taken to Siberia by the Russians. Her mum was pregnant and gave birth in Siberia. The child died. Alzheimer’s means people dwell on past. Her long-term memory is good, not short term.

Jolanta, the lorry driver, and Teresa.

“I’m proud to be Polish. The way that Poland has opened its arms to Ukrainian refuges it’s absolutely wonderful.”

Members of Maidenhead URC also feel proud of their efforts.

Bob Robertson, an Elder of the church, said: “We’re very pleased that we’ve been able to do something so practical and I’m astonished that we have been able to do it so quickly.”

It took the group just six days to raise thousands of pounds and a lorry full of items. Many of the volunteers were not church members and did not know each other, but the project has brought them together.

“Because of the enthusiasm and contribution of complete strangers, the project has taken on a life of its own,” continues Bob. “It’s amazing. We found like-minded people that we didn’t know we had in the neighbourhood.

“When you’re a small church and part of a small denomination, you think you are a small island in the world. But it’s wonderful to know it’s not like that at all.

“For years we have been wondering what’s our role? Our congregation is getting older. Are the resources we have being wasted? But at moments like this, you can see that that’s not the case. Without our building we wouldn’t have been able to do what we are doing now.

“For us, this project is about being out there and visible to everyone and being God’s presence at a time when God’s presence is needed.”

Nearly every main part of the church was filled with donations including clothes and other goods. It was all hands-on deck to pack boxes, even Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, visited to help pack items.

The Revd David Downing said: “The response has been just phenomenal.”

The post Maidenhead’s ‘phenomenal’ response to Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.

The RJAF, of which the United Reformed Church (URC) is a part, condemns the invasion of Ukraine, and is deeply saddened by the loss of life, the destruction of homes and businesses, and the separation of families which has resulted from Putin’s war on Ukraine.

The RJAF equally condemns the racism demonstrated by Ukrainian authorities towards Black and Brown people at the borders and routes of escape from the conflict zones.

We believe that all people are made in the image of God and should be equally afforded the dignity, support, opportunity, and protection currently being withheld from many Black and Brown people fleeing for safety.

These actions demonstrate the ongoing racist attitudes in Europe which deprive those considered ‘other’ of basic human needs. The fact that we are seeing demonstrations of racism unfolding amidst this tragic and unlawful invasion is profoundly disheartening and disturbing.

Call to prayer and action

Black and Brown people, and people of Muslim faith affiliation, are facing racism and prejudice as they seek to escape the conflict in Ukraine. We ask Christians to remember all those who are being treated less than equally and fairly in the evacuation process. We must pray and act.

 “It is important for Christians to pray. But for those Black and Brown people experiencing double jeopardy – war and racism – practical support needs to be offered. The fact that vast numbers of Black and Brown people are being prevented from leaving Ukraine is indicative of how deeply racism can lurk,” says the Revd Wale Hudson-Roberts, Justice Enabler – Baptist Union of Great Britain/RJAF.

We are calling upon Christians everywhere to remember and pray for those facing discrimination based on their colour, ethnicity, or faith; to pray for those who have experienced the loss of family, friends and livelihoods; and to pray for the many people who do not have access to basic needs such as food and safe shelter.

We are calling upon all Churches in the region to provide hospitality to all those fleeing Ukraine, to include both the sharing of resources and the provision of pastoral support at the borders.

We call upon media outlets to accurately report the racism faced by Black and Brown people, and to raise awareness of the unjustifiable acts of discrimination taking place in the midst of a war zone in which every day is a matter of life and death for all those caught up in the conflict.

The RJAF encourages people to write to their MPs and the High Commissions in London demanding clarification of their strategy for intervention and protection of their nationals, and to provide regular updates as events unfold.

 “I think this crisis speaks to the specificity of those racialised as Black or ‘other’.  It highlights the need to examine whom we extend our love and compassion towards, and to whom we deny it. It calls on faith organisations to take the lead in expanding concepts of love and justice to encompass all, and to attend to the glaring omissions that governments and civil society practice when considering whose story is told,” adds Edwina Peart, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator – Quakers in Britain/RJAF.

 The RJAF will hold fortnightly online briefings to share updates on the coordinated efforts to advocate for and support Black and Brown people facing racial discrimination in Ukraine. Christian Aid will support these briefings.

Image: Ben Masora/Unsplash.

The post Prayer and action for people facing racism in Ukraine appeared first on United Reformed Church.