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Estland: The Estonian Council of Churches expresses support for the Ukrainian people

12. März 2025

In connection with the third anniversary of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the Estonian Council of Churches (ECC) has sent a letter of support to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO). In an appeal published by the official website of the UCCRO, the ECC strongly condemns Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms its prayers for the Ukrainian state and people, as well as for the achievement of a just peace for Ukraine.

The letter emphasizes that Russian aggression is a crime and a sin, as it destroys love and violates God's order. Estonian Christian leaders assured that the faithful of their churches will not stop praying for Ukraine's victory and a just peace. "We are convinced that God cannot side with the killers of love and the blessers of this war. According to the Christian faith, love always wins. This means that all wars also end... We also pray that when concluding peace agreements, the independence of people and the state would not be treated carelessly, as has happened before in history."

The letter notes: "Dear brothers and sisters in Ukraine! We thank you for your love of serving your neighbor and for remaining steadfast in your faith! Just as Christ was present where he was needed most, you, as representatives of your churches, are following Jesus' example in serving your people and society at a time when the need for help is the greatest. Your example also inspires us in Estonia to contribute more to serving our neighbor and encourages us to always trust in God in everything."

The ECC expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian churches for their commitment to serving the people in their time of greatest need. "May the just God of all nations give you the strength to serve his people until God's solution comes. We are with you in this struggle with our prayers, and together with you, we place our hope in the Lord, who will have the final say in all things," the authors of the appeal note.

The letter was signed on behalf of the Estonian Council of Churches by:
- President, archbishop Urmas Viilma, Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Vice president, bishop Philippe Jourdan, Roman Catholic Church in Estonia
- Vice president, pastor Erki Tamm, Estonian Evangelical Christians’ and Baptist Union
(Quelle: www.risu.ua, 27. Februar 2025)