Archbishop calls for urgent support for Ukraine crisis appeal

The Archbishop of Wales is calling for urgent support for Christian Aid’s crisis appeal for Ukraine.

The Christian charity is working with its partners to distribute food and other life-saving essentials to people on the Ukrainian borders fleeing deadly violence. It is also calling for people to add their voices to the change.org petition launched by Together With Refugees member, Freedom From Torture, which calls on the UK Government to provide humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine.

So far, an estimated 102 civilians have been killed with a further 406 injured - and the true figures could be far higher. Half a million people have fled the country in recent days, and many more have had to leave their homes to escape the fighting.

The Archbishop, Andrew John, says, “We are all shocked and sickened by Russia’s merciless attack on Ukraine. A humanitarian crisis is unfolding rapidly as people flee for their lives and we must respond swiftly to help. I am calling on our churches and communities in Wales to step up and donate generously to Christian Aid’s appeal and sign the petition to the UK Government to do more to help refugees.

“We must also continue to pray for Ukraine and for all its people at this terrible time.”

Head of Christian Aid Wales, Mari McNeill says, “In light of the devastating events in Ukraine, Christian Aid has launched an appeal to support those fleeing deadly violence. We’ll be working with partner organisations in the ACT Alliance to offer rapid humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people. So far, two of our ACT partners have distributed 28 tonnes of food supplies and other lifesaving essentials to people on the Ukrainian borders. In this dark and worrying time for the people of Ukraine and for everyone who believes in peace, we can join together to give, act and pray.”

• A bilingual booklet of prayers has been compiled by the Revd Sally Harper, St Asaph Diocesan Director of Spirituality.

Praying for Peace Lent to read online | Praying for Peace Lent to print as booklet

On Thursday 3 March, the Diocese of Llandaff will be hosting a Vigil for Peace in Cardiff. We will be joined by members of the Senedd, including members of the Cross-Party Group on Faith.

1. 16.30 - Gather at St. Mary’s Butetown. On street parking is available.
2. 17.00 - Walk from St. Mary’s to St. John the Baptist Cardiff.
3. 17.30 - 18.30 - vigil and prayer will be held outside St John’s before a service for peace begins inside. This will include prayers, speakers and singing.

Time and space will be provided after this for silent prayer and reflection.

We ask clergy who are attending to wear clerical collar.

More information