As the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, Christian leaders of Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical, and other faith traditions in Canada, together with the World Evangelical Alliance’s Peace & Reconciliation Network, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and The Canadian Council of Churches invite all Christians and people of good will to join in united prayer and action for peace.
This call to prayer and action—signed by 45 Canadian Church leaders—also acknowledges ongoing conflict elsewhere in the world:
“Without in any way minimizing or ignoring the suffering and sorrow caused by war and violence in other areas of the world, we stand together in inviting Christians and all people of good will to prayerfully consider how we are all called, and might contribute to, the achievement of peace in and for Ukraine.”
The Church leaders encourage six meaningful actions members of the public could take to foster peace, such as:
- Praying for peace in Ukraine and around the world (special prayers for this occasion can be found here);
- Building collaborative relationships; and
- Observing a day of prayer and remembrance on February 24, 2024.
“Ukraine has been an area of great concern for Canadians. We need to keep praying and working for peace,” says David Guretzki, president of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The pastoral statement was prepared and endorsed by The Canadian Council of Churches, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and the Peace and Reconciliation Network of the World Evangelical Alliance.
>> Read the full document in English [file updated 23 Feb 2024], French, or Ukrainian [file updated 22 Feb 2024]
>> Find prayers for peace in English, French, or Ukrainian
For Media Inquiries
- The Canadian Council of Churches: Communciations Coordinator, communications@councilofchurches.ca
- The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada: EFC Media Relations, mediarelations@theefc.ca