Urgent Prayers Needed for Peace in Ukraine

(From World Church Communications)

Community of Christ joins our voice with other people and groups around the world in an appeal for peace for Ukraine and Russia. We uphold the Worth of All Persons and the Pursuit of Peace (Shalom) throughout the world and offer our prayerful support for a peaceful resolution in the conflict between these two nations. Violence is not the answer. These are times we must remember our call to be a people of peace. By joining our prayers and advocacy with others, and supporting organizations working for peace in the area, we live into our call to pursue peace. Apostle Richard James is in contact with church members in the region.

Become a people of the Temple–those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:2a

Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b

World Conference Resolution 1177 states our opposition to “all forms of destructive violence, such as national and international conflict, war. …As long as selfish interests, materialistic desire, or forms of special privilege are valued above human needs, rights, and dignity, there will be such violence. …The existence of this dilemma intensifies our pursuit of peace.”