Leaders of four major New Zealand Christian denominations have issued a statement on Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Their statement follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is causing widespread death and destruction.

Earlier, Pope Francis condemned the invasion and issued a prayer for peace and justice in Ukraine.

“My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine,” the Holy Father said at his February 23, 2022, General Audience. “Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up.

“Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.”

Statement on Ukraine by New Zealand Church leaders

Across the globe, people are horrified by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

In a region that learnt the devastating lessons of war last century, the pattern has the tragic possibility of repeating. It flies in the face of much of the progress in peaceful coexistence that Europe has made in recent decades.

Once again, on European soil, we see the rights and wellbeing of millions of ordinary people trampled on by an aggressive and entitled leader.

It also flies in the face of the Jesus-values of peace-making. In this instance, those values call us to stand against violence and stand with the oppressed.

Those values call for de-escalation and peace talks.

They call for humility and kindness.

As Christians, we stand in solidarity with the vast chorus of voices calling for the aggression to end and the peaceful solutions to begin.

Signed:

Right Rev Hamish Galloway, Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Andrew Doubleday, President, Methodist Church of New Zealand

Cardinal John A Dew, Archbishop of Wellington, Catholic Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Archbishop Don Tamihere & Archbishop Philip Richardson, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia