Church organisations encourage peace efforts in Ukraine

Pax Christi, together with the Quakers, Methodists, URC and others have written a private letter to Mr Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, expressing concern that the further build-up of weapons and use of aggressive language might propel Europe into a wider conflict with unknown and dangerous consequences.

The signatories called on the governments of France, Germany and UK to ensure that every effort be made to demilitarise the crisis.

The letter stated that humanitarian aid and other confidence-building measures are likely to be crucial and suggested that,
looking forward, the UK and EU must seek to provide reassurance to all the people of Ukraine.

The signatories have also written to Chancellor Angela Merkel and President François Hollande to encourage and welcome their work of in helping to broker a ceasefire agreement.