The Situation in Ukraine is Intolerable.
Friday, March 4, 2022
The situation in Ukraine is intolerable. Vladimir Putin continues to lie, manipulate, and murder as he attempts to destroy an independent nation and a people. The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County joins with all people of goodwill who are outraged by Putin’s crimes against humanity and condemn his actions in Ukraine. As an Interfaith Community, we appreciate our responsibility to witness in solidarity for the values that make peace possible.
We honor the courageous leadership of President Zelensky and side with him and the people of Ukraine as they defend their nation against the overwhelming forces of the Russian government. We pledge to support them in our willingness to endure the harsh effects of the struggle.
We are also deeply inspired by the Russian citizens who have taken to the streets to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We march with them, realizing they sacrifice everything as they witness what is right and just.
We encourage the application of International Law, diplomacy and enforcing the Geneva Conventions in holding those responsible accountable. We emphasize our commitments to peace born of justice as we affirm the words of the Religions for Peace Statement:
“As faith communities and religious leaders, we are obliged constantly to remind people about the obligation and responsibility to choose peace through dialogue. Our role is to pray for and support peaceful resolutions of conflict situations, with a priority for the security of civilians, including the most vulnerable among them.”
We urge awareness of all those who would see Putin’s assault on Ukraine as an opportune time to promote their political agenda. We alert the greater community to be wary of those who give religious legitimacy to Putin’s criminal actions. We also caution the faith community that this conflict enflames the recent and centuries long divisions between Eastern Orthodox Christians in Russia and Ukraine.
We encourage you to become knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Ukrainian people. Invite your family and friends to pray so our hearts may be open to what is right, to study so our minds may be open to what is true, and to dialogue so that our standpoints for justice may work together for the rights and dignity of all peoples.
The Governing Board of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County
The Social Justice Alliance of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County
