A Faith Statement on the Invasion of Ukraine

As Russia continues to advance troops into Ukraine against the clear wishes of the Ukrainian people, we find it imperative to offer a statement of faith as a congregation. Let us state clearly that what is happening in Ukraine is wrong.

This invasion is immoral and unjustified. The destruction of homes, the decimation of people, the creation of a displaced refugee population, to the violation of the ground itself as tanks and troops move through land which is not theirs, every bit of this choice is a disrespect and desecration. Furthermore, the lies told to the Russian people in order to bring them to the point of war are reprehensible. Falsely claiming that a Jewish President is a Nazi to be vilified, and stirring up historical mistrust of the Jewish people is dangerous and foolhardy. The use of anti-Semitic stereotyping as pretext should be condemned by people of all religions and of none.

Unitarian Universalists are not united in theological doctrine. Instead, like the people of Ukraine and Russia, we are diverse and we call upon the Divine by many names. Yet, like the people of Ukraine and Russia, Unitarian Universalists desire to live in peace and grow in love. We are dedicated to upholding the worth and dignity of all people and their right of self-determination. And we are committed to respecting the Earth itself and all that lives upon it.

We may be too far away to offer much support through direct action, still we know that the international community is affected any time one group of people decides it is their right to invade the lands of another, and to determine their destiny without consent. What we can offer are our prayers, our moral clarity, and some financial support for refugees. Our UU community prays Russia will choose to retreat. We pray they will allow the people of Ukraine to maintain their homeland and their democratically elected leaders. And we offer deep hope for justice and peace to return.

We live in a part of Appalachia immigrated to by people of Eastern European descent, from Germanic and Slavic regions. Our religious heritage as Unitarians and Universalists descend from centers of learning in what are now Romanian and Polish towns. We could list so many reasons to care, but fundamentally, on a planet where every life touches others and every atom has been and will become something else, somewhere else in the fullness of time; this is cannot be someone else’s problem. All instances of violence and war affect us deeply and tugs at our hearts across the miles.

Therefore, let us commit to caring and love. May we keep our hearts open and willing to fight for refugees. Let us support those seeking asylum; may they be given aid and hospitality. We pray that we share with one another awareness of the ways that we can help. Let us each offer a listening ear to those whose friends or family may be more directly affected. Let us be careful to offer comfort more than judgement and to center those most affected. May we have care to avoid furthering ethnic or religious hatred in our condemnations of the actions of world leaders. And may we offer love over fear whenever possible, as the people of many nations seek a way toward peace.

What is being done? And what can I do?

For those wondering what our denomination is doing in this moment of global tension, as Russian forces attempt to deny the rights of self-determination and dignity of Ukraine and its people, please take a look at the UU Service Committee’s post. Click this link for a few ways to help, rounded up in a post together.

The UU World (our UUA sponsored magazine) has been publishing on this situation. A Blog article by Bruce Knotts last week is link, and an update on the Security Council Resolution yesterday. Bruce Knotts heads the UUA’s United Nations Office. The UU-UNO keeps tabs on moral and ethical issues in the global community and advocates for UU values in that venue.

If you are parenting and want to find support in talking about what is happening in Ukraine. For conversational support with your children and teens, please check out these resources from the UUA and from NPR.

I hope this helps those wondering how our ethical and moral values are meeting the world in this moment of military aggression. I am so appreciative of our community members who care. Glad at how many wish to make sure we are doing as we say in the world. For affirming and promoting our values actively and responsibly is core to our faith tradition. 

In faith,
Rev. Elizabeth Mount