After weeks the war and fighting in Ukraine continues unabated.
The situation is particularly alarming, where there is shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulting in an increasing number of civilians killed and injured. The devastation caused by all wars around the world has been horrific. Civilians, ordinary citizens, men, women and children pay the highest price.
Wars and violent oppression in all conflict torn areas around the world are inexcusable and intolerable.
Those providing humanitarian aid on the ground in a highly volatile situation are to be commended while those responsible for war and war crimes are to be condemned.
Recently, when GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team met together, they prayed together for the world and in particular for war to stop in Ukraine. Chair Rev Canon David Lawson said, “In our focus on Ukraine, let us not forget people continue to suffer in many other parts of the world due to continued oppression by the powerful regimes.”
Still, refusing to be overpowered by the darkness around the world, GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team lit together a candle each and held it in hand thoughtfully and prayerfully, meditating on the fact that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
The following concluding words of the prayer were shared by all together;
“We commit ourselves to bring healing and transformation to the world, and to foster a common vision of peace; Lord God, help us to know that goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death.”
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https://ctbi.org.uk/racial-discrimination-amidst-invasion-of-ukraine-rjaf-statement/
In a statement, The Ecumenical Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF) has issued a statement calling for prayer and action for Black and Brown people facing racism in their attempts to flee from conflict zones in Ukraine.
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http://grassrootsluton.org.uk/news-events/2022/2/25/praying-for-peace-in-ukraine
Earlier through a statement, GRASSROOTS, jointly with Luton Council of Faiths (LCoF) & Near Neighbours Programme had urged all faith communities and all people of goodwill in Luton to pray for peace for the people of Ukraine and the region. It said “Although war makes dialogue and peacemaking far more difficult, we know there are people in both Russia and Ukraine working tirelessly for peace. We continue to uphold and stand in solidarity with them at this violent and perilous time.”
http://grassrootsluton.org.uk/news-events/2022/2/25/praying-for-peace-in-ukraine
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Also words of a poem by John Roedel are powerful. It says “In the face of war I’m so small. Yet love is big. I can’t force peace on the world but I can become a force of peace in the world.” To read the full poem, please click on the link here;
https://www.johnroedel.com/post/in-the-face-of-war-i-m-so-small-yet-love-is-big
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Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, added: “We are all shocked by the devastating news coming from Ukraine. Luton has a long history of rallying around when people are in need. We saw this most recently with the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and an incredible cross-community response to the Covid pandemic.
“The council is not collecting donations directly, but we have compiled a list of organisations and appeals that residents might consider supporting and would encourage anyone feeling powerless to visit our website. https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Community_and_living/Pages/supporting-ukraine.aspx
“But let me be clear, we are expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people in line with the position of the UK nationally. We understand this solidarity as an act of protest against the actions of the Russian government, and not in any way aimed at the Russian people.
“People of all backgrounds are welcome in Luton in the spirit of harmony and respect for diversity. We will never tolerate hatred of any kind in our community, and condemn it when it happens elsewhere.”
Goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death - GRASSROOTS Trustees & Team lit a Candle of Hope amidst Despair