LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt. Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
LWF General Secretary calls for immediate ceasefire and respect for international laws
In a statement released on 25 February, LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and global solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Statement from the Lutheran World Federation
The Lutheran World Federation is deeply concerned by the Russian military assault on Ukraine.
The conflict has taken a serious and dangerous turn with loss of life, injury, destruction of property, displacement of people, and heightened tensions in Ukraine, in the region, and across Europe.
As Christians we are called to be messengers of peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Therefore, we denounce violence in all its forms.
We call for an immediate ceasefire and a restoration of peace.
Human rights, international and humanitarian law must be respected by all parties in this conflict. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.
We call for global solidarity with the affected people of Ukraine, including those who have been displaced and require urgent humanitarian assistance. We call on governments to keep their borders open and welcome those who are fleeing from the hostilities.
We call for support for churches in Ukraine and neighboring countries that are providing assistance, including basic necessities, shelter, pastoral and psychosocial support.
Peace must prevail. Human dignity must be protected.
Rev. Anne Burghardt
General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation
LWF has launched a call for donations to support the churches and people of Ukraine. The LWF member churches churches in the neighboring countries are already receiving people. LWF is supporting and coordinating its member churches in providing this humanitarian assistance to refugees.
LWF's is coordinating a response through its member churches in Ukraine and the neighboring countries to ensure support to Ukrainian refugees as well as their safe and dignified arrival. The work is supported by LWF's funding partners, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
