Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), on 28 September 2002 sent an open letter to Ukrainian politicians and public figures, expressing his deep concern over the tense situation in the social and political life of the country.
The cardinal advises the politicians to discuss their issues in honest dialogue, which, he believes, is a tested means of solving problems and eliminating misunderstanding. “Only through dialogue can the situation be thoroughly analyzed and positive results be achieved,” said Cardinal Husar. “Violent methods of solution, whatever form they might take, do not solve anything. They only aggravate the situation, intensifying misunderstanding and fueling conflicts for many long years, decades and sometimes centuries,” he stressed. According to the cardinal, Ukraine’s internal situation, its international position, and the sentiments of the Ukrainian people do not give politicians “the right to avoid or procrastinate with honest dialogue.” “Dialogue encourages both sides to review their positions profoundly, present their opinions clearly and consistently, and realize their responsibility before God and Ukrainian society. The aim of dialogue is not to condemn, but to find prudent, fair and realistic solutions to the existing problem. There are no winners or losers in dialogue. There is only a noble common goal, which in your case is the general good of the whole nation,” said Cardinal Husar in his letter. He also asserted that “the most pitiful fact of today’s political arena is the lack of confidence and trust of the people in their political leaders.” The head of the UGCC called for the restoration of trust and mutual respect, which, according to the hierarch, are absolutely necessary for the further development of the Ukrainian state.
Source: press service of the head of the UGCC