The Archbishop of Canterbury has marked the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by issuing a call in The Telegraph supporting ongoing investment in the defence of the Ukrainian nation and action now to begin the process of reconciliation.
In the article the Archbishop laments the huge loss of life and gives personal testimony to the horrors of war. He commends the Ukrainian resistance as heroic and courageous. He then sets out the steps needed to build sustainable peace.
- Firstly, he calls for justice with no impunity for wars of aggression, but says that this must be matched with investment in peacebuilding.
- Secondly, he seeks assurances that Ukraine will not be forced into accepting an unjust peace.
- Thirdly, that preparations must begin now to rebuild peace in Ukraine and Russia.
He concludes with these words:
We must strain every sinew to bring peace with justice, and start the generational process of healing hatred and rebuilding community among nations.
Most Holy God and Father,
Hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you the lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.