CEC endorses Ukrainian churches' call for justice and peace
23 July 2025
The appeal was made during a Global Interfaith online meeting, “Hear our cry for justice” held on 17 July 2025, International Criminal Justice Day, organised by UCCRO and the Schuman Centre for European Studies, Netherlands.
CEC participated in the meeting, represented by CEC Programme Officer for Theology and Studies Ms Katerina Pekridou, and among the speakers was Metropolitan Yevstratiy of Bila Tserkva of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a CEC Member Church.
The interfaith gathering brought together around 80 participants from 17 countries, uniting people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds in solidarity with Ukraine. The meeting issued an Interfaith Declaration of Conscience and Solidarity with the People of Ukraine, affirming Ukraine’s right to self-defence and condemning Russia’s unjust war, while rejecting neutrality in the face of violence and pledging moral witness, prayer, humanitarian aid, and advocacy.
Quoting the appeal, the religious leaders of Ukraine described “a desperate cry concerning the humanitarian and spiritual catastrophe unfolding in Ukraine as a result of the Russian Federation’s aggressive war.” They urged “believers of democratic countries and all people of good will to unite in the name of truth and justice, to use all available means of influence to put an end to this terrible war and ensure a proper assessment of the criminal actions of the aggressor, as required by the Supreme Justice.”
Faithfulness to the gospel means courage and truth
This endorsement aligns with CEC’s Pathways to Peace initiative, which highlights the voices of Ukrainian churches in dialogue on peacebuilding, justice, and the role of faith in responding to the war. It strengthens CEC’s commitment to working with European institutions and faith partners to promote a just peace in Ukraine.
“In the face of unprovoked aggression and immense human suffering, European churches must not stand silent,” said Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach, CEC General Secretary. “As CEC endorses this call, we reaffirm the gospel’s demand for justice. We call for the respect of the sanctity of life and stand in active solidarity with a nation fighting for its freedom, dignity, and peace. Faithfulness to the gospel today means courage and the fight for truth.”
Metropolitan Yevstratiy of Bila Tserkva said, “The doctrine of ‘holy war’ proclaimed by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill Gundyayev, contradicts not only Orthodox teaching but Christian teaching in general. We, as the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, have repeatedly condemned the criminal use of religious rhetoric and the authority of the Church to justify and propagate war. We call on all religious leaders to do the same.”
He added, “We ask religious leaders and communities to pray, because we know that God acts in history, and He can change everything, including stopping the bloodshed. Therefore, we ask you to pray for the victory of truth and a just peace for Ukraine.”
The online meeting featured testimonies from church leaders who highlighted the ideological justifications being used to support the war, the banning of faith communities in occupied territories, and the urgent need for clear moral witness against aggression.
CEC continues to work with churches and European institutions to call for justice, peace, and accountability. Through its Pathways to Peace initiative, CEC brings churches together to engage in dialogue and advocacy for peacebuilding and reconciliation in Ukraine and across Europe.
