Statement for Ecumenical/interreligious Prayer Vigil for Ukraine
On March 2, an ecumenical prayer vigil was held at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham. Due to a prior engagement in Gaylord, Michigan, Bishop Raica was unable to attend; however, he sent a statement which the Vicar General, Father Kevin Bazzel, read to those in attendance. The complete text of the statement follows herein.
On March 2, an ecumenical prayer vigil was held at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham. Due to a prior engagement in Gaylord, Michigan, Bishop Raica was unable to attend; however, he sent a statement which the Vicar General, Father Kevin Bazzel, read to those in attendance. The complete text of the statement follows herein.
My dear friends in solidarity with Ukraine,
Grace and peace to all! Because I am out of state for a previous engagement, I join you in spirit in bold solidarity with all our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. I happily add my name to the roster of judicatory heads and leaders of various religious communities here tonight who speak up, and speak out, against an act of hostile military aggression in Ukraine by the Russian military. It is an action that is not only immoral but is, in fact, diabolical. Many leaders and people around the globe are begging for a ceasefire and for peace. Many citizens across the Russian Federation are joining the movement for peace at great personal risk.
Tonight, I echo the cry and plea of many who courageously implore our leaders without wavering: “No more war!” “End the hostility and bloodshed!” “Lay down the weapons of war.” Have we learned nothing from past wars?
The Constitution of Ukraine clearly states: “Article 1: Ukraine is the sovereign and independent, democratic, social, legal state. Article 2: Sovereignty of Ukraine spreads on all its territory. Ukraine is the unitary state. Territory of Ukraine within the limits of its existent border is integral and inviolable.” Yes, sovereign, integral, and inviolable. This egregious act violates the sovereignty and integrity of the territory of Ukraine.
Indeed, the heart of every nation is founded on the right to self-determination and the pursuit of the common good. No nation is perfect. Each has wounds and scars from history that need healing through constructive dialogue. In our modern age, with all its technological, modern advances in communication and problem solving, this breakdown leading to cold aggression is a “failure of humanity.” Nevertheless, the world is noting that Ukrainians are boldly witnessing their sovereignty, integrity, and unity as a proud people. Their journey to greater freedom and respect for human dignity must be cherished and safeguarded. Why are some leaders threatened by freedom and self-determination?
Nevertheless, a pathway of peace must be found. I pray for a cease fire, a return to the table of fruitful dialogue so that we can see each other not as enemies but as brothers and sisters (Ukrainians, Russians, and citizens of the world) on a journey to our destiny together. Tonight, humanity anxiously waits for an answer.
On this Ash Wednesday in which many Christians begin their Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and charity, we pray for a conversion of hearts, individually and at the highest level, not to menace progress made with unfettered destruction and innocent populations with threats of annihilation, but to sow seeds of peace, prosperity, and self-determination for all. Lord, let Your peace prevail!
