World ‘overshadowed’ with darkness of war this Holy Week, Church leaders say

The Church leaders’ group of Ireland said in their Easter message that the world is “overshadowed” with the darkness of war in Ukraine this Holy Week, and called on people to do all they can to help.
In their message, released today (April 13) the Church leaders that “Our world this Holy Week is overshadowed with the darkness of war and conflict in Ukraine”, adding that they “stand united as Church Leaders in Ireland, with a message of support for the people of Ukraine”.
“As we did when faced with conflict here in our own land, we call for people to pray for peace, to reach out to support the injured and bereaved, and to do all that they can to help and support the victims of unnecessary suffering,” the Church leaders said.
They “recommitted” themselves and their churches to helping the Ukrainian people in their hour of need and called on all world leaders to “to work ever harder to find a way to restore peace, bring about reconciliation and healing.“We pray too that those who are intent on war, whose hearts are filled with hatred, may be transformed by the love of God,” the Church leaders added.

Covid-19

The Church leaders also reflected on the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that over the last two years “we have witnessed people coming together in support of one another to fight in a very different battle, against a microscopic virus”.
“Our journey with coronavirus has taught us much and thankfully there are good signs of recovery,” they continued, while adding that they “are conscious too that for many the effects of the virus continue. 
“Many have been very ill, others have suffered the pain of bereavement without family and friends being able to gather for the funeral, others live with the effects of the last two years on mental health or economic circumstances.
“We have all learnt much about our vulnerability and the fragile nature of human life.”
The Church leaders finished their message by saying: “May the Easter message of hope, found in the risen Christ, who banished the darkness and rose victorious in the light of a new dawn, be heard, and realised in Ukraine.
“May God’s healing grace rest upon the world, its peoples and all who are suffering; and may the unconditional love of God be known, realised and shared, here and everywhere, now and in the days to come.”
The Church leaders group comprises: the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Dr Eamon Martin; Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell; Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Right Rev. Dr David Bruce; President of the Methodist Church in Ireland the Rev. Dr Sahr Yambasu; President of the Irish Council of Churches Right Rev. Andrew Forster.