Conference of European Churches calls for Christmas truce in Ukraine
CEC advocates for a truce. Photo: Conference of European Churches
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has issued a heartfelt plea for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, urging all parties to embrace this season of hope and humanity, symbolized by this holiday, according to the organization’s website. The resolution was adopted following CEC consultations on "just peace", held in Warsaw from December 9 to 11, 2024.
The European ecumenical organization, which unites 115 member churches across Europe, called on Russia to halt violence during the Nativity period, emphasizing the significance of compassion and respect for the holiday.
One of the key recommendations from the consultations is a proposal for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine based on the “all for all” formula as a humanitarian gesture amidst conflict.
The Conference endorsed Pope Francis’s December 8 initiative for a ceasefire on all fronts. The participants emphasised that "the message of Christmas must transcend conflict, offering an opportunity for dialogue, reconciliation, and hope."
The President of the CEC, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, remarked: "The child in the manger, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, invites all to embrace the peace offered by God in Bethlehem. All humankind is invited.”
The Warsaw consultations brought together leaders of Ukrainian churches, who shared their testimonies and reports highlighting the urgency of action for peace.
As the UOJ previously reported, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas.
Read also
FIFA dedicates Iran–Egypt match to LGBT community
FIFA has required Muslim athletes to take part in a “Pride match” featuring rainbow-themed symbolism despite their religious convictions.
Palestinian MFA condemns Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem Church land
Palestine called on the international community to stop the displacement of Christians from Jerusalem.
Czech authorities opt out of Istanbul Convention over “gender ideology”
The government withdrew its consent to ratify the document, calling its provisions destructive to the traditional understanding of sex and family.
Dozens of residents embrace Orthodoxy in Mozambique
After administering the sacrament of Baptism, the priest went on to bless the homes of the newly converted Christians.
His Beatitude: Man should use wealth, rather than be used by wealth
The Primate of the UOC explained how to set priorities correctly, stressing that “wealth without God makes a person the most miserable in the whole world.”
Anniversary LGBT march held in Kyiv
Participants in the gay pride parade demanded recognition of same-sex cohabitation and the removal from the new Civil Code of the definition of family as a union between a man and a woman.