The London Consultation: standing in solidarity with Ukraine
30.04.2015, 13:00
Christian leaders from the across the world gathered to discuss the Ukrainian crisis at Lambeth Palace, in an event co-hosted by BMS World Mission.
Christian leaders from the across the world gathered to discuss the Ukrainian crisis at Lambeth Palace, in an event co-hosted by BMS World Mission, BMS World Mission informs.
More than 6,000 people killed and 1.2 million internally displaced in the last year – how should the global Church respond to the Ukrainian conflict? Around 60 delegates and observers grappled with this question at the London Consultation, a special event organised by BMS and Mission Eurasia on Tuesday (28 April 2015) at Lambeth Palace.
Around a horseshoe of tables were delegates from Ukraine, Russia, the UK and across Europe from a variety of denominations, Christian organisations and humanitarian agencies. Surrounding the delegates were observers, including a number of Baptist ministers invited by BMS. The event was conducted in three languages: Ukrainian, Russian and English, with simultaneous translations available to delegates working across boundaries of nationality, church and culture.
Over four sessions, speakers explored different aspects arising from the conflict: the concept of the ‘Russian worldview’ and how certain ideologies within it may be driving the current crisis in Ukraine, how Christians should react to Ukraine's humanitarian needs, threats to religious freedom and human rights and developing a reconciliation process. The day also included a session of spirited open discussion.
At the close of the Consultation, a resolution was signed by delegates. The resolution calls on the global Christian community and humanitarian agencies to acknowledge what is happening in Ukraine, and to develop a practical response to support the Ukrainian people.
At the signing, BMS Global Ambassador Rev Dr David Coffey (above, centre) joined hands with Rev Yuri Sipko (left), former President of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of Russia and Bishop Mykhailo Panochko (right), President of the Evangelical Faith of Ukraine, and each prayed in their own language. The symbolism of them joining together in prayer for Ukraine was an abiding image from a conference that hopefully bear fruit of solidarity, justice and reconciliation.
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