CEC issues Christmas ceasefire plea for Ukraine
18 December 2024
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has issued a heartfelt plea for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, urging all parties to embrace this season of hope and humanity. The call emerged as a direct outcome of CEC’s recent consultation on “just peace,” held in Warsaw from 9-11 December 2024. The European ecumenical organisation, which represents 115 member churches across Europe, has appealed to Russia to respect Christmas time by halting violence and fostering compassion.
A key recommendation from the consultation included a demand for the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine based on the “all for all” formula, underscoring the importance of humanitarian gestures amidst conflict.
In aligning with Pope Francis’s initiative, announced on 8 December, for a ceasefire on all warfronts, CEC reinforced its commitment to peacebuilding. Commenting on the message, CEC President, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, stated: "The child in the manger, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, invites all to embrace the peace offered by God in Bethlehem. All humankind is invited.”
The CEC consultation in Warsaw brought together leaders from various Ukrainian churches, who shared reports and testimonies highlighting the urgency of action for peace. The participants emphasised that the message of Christmas must transcend conflict, offering an opportunity for dialogue, reconciliation, and hope.
