On 3 April, churches and Christians from across the UK and Ireland will come together in an act of witness to pray for the people of Ukraine and for an end to the conflict.
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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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: