CALL TO ACTION
BY PARTICIPANTS OF THE UKRAINIAN-RUSSIAN PEACE DIALOGUE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EURASIA
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
The United Methodist Church of Eurasia, as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, is called to bring peace. With pain in our heart, we witness the deteriorating relations between the peoples of Ukraine and Russia. This is expressed in the cooling of relationships and breaking of bonds. Moreover, the believers in Christ, who are called to be peacemakers, are no longer communicating, praying, or meeting, thereby inflicting wounds on each other.
We believe in the power of joint prayer for Ukraine and Russia.
We put our hope in God and place Biblical principles and values above our political views.
We are guided by Biblical principles in resolving any type of conflict.
We value love and mercy above all else.
We see as our goal the strengthening of mutual relations and promotion of peace between the peoples of Russia and Ukraine.
We will achieve this by rejecting the established stereotypes and strengthening mutual trust.
We will develop mutual relations through personal contacts and by using modern means of communication.
We will support each other in prayer and fasting, by holding joint worship services, and by hosting spiritual, missionary, cultural, educational and sports programs.
We call all people:
– to be peacekeepers and strive to achieve forgiveness, healing, reconciliation and spiritual unity in relations between Ukrainians and Russians;
– to hear and respect the opinion of the other side;
– to search for ways to interact in fellowship and joint projects;
– to build healthy relations between our countries and peoples.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7
3 June 2017
Birštonas, Lithuania