Turkey: Christians 'stand with the suffering' in Ukraine

Worldview presenters Volkan Er and Senem Ekener discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine

"Our eyes are on the suffering Ukrainian church. We are suffering with them." These words by SAT-7 TÜRK presenter Volkan Er opened discussion of the crisis enveloping Ukraine and its European neighbours in last Wednesday's episode of Worldview (2 March).

This weekly current affairs programme on SAT-7's Turkish language channel, along with its weekly news programme, is a precious source of news and Christian analysis for Turkey's marginalised Christian community. It is also a significant Christian voice to wider society and one that is rarely heard on national media.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February the government of Turkey has faced a dilemma. Located on the opposite side of the Black Sea, Turkey has enjoyed economic and political ties with both nations while also being a member of NATO. Ankara has condemned the invasion and, on Sunday (6 March), President Erdogan spoke to the Russian president asking for an urgent general ceasefire and offering to act as a mediator in negotiations with Ukraine.

Volkan Er and Senem Ekener, the presenters of Worldview, explained that the Church does not take political sides but is bound to "stand with" those who are suffering and are being oppressed.

"It is our duty to pray for the protection of those suffering," Volkan said. "The church in Ukraine is also acting as a witness by protecting people."

"It's very important for us to see that church officials are refusing to leave the country and that they are staying and serving among the people," he continued. "We may be unable to prevent evil occurring, but with the right attitude and standing, with God's help, evil can be stopped."

Senem and Volkan went on to consider what God says about war. They noted that Matthew 26:22 records Jesus' words to Peter that "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword". They stressed how human actions will be judged by God.

"God's eyes are not closed to the situation. He is not passive to what is happening to the world," Senem explained. "We can draw comfort from God's living word because it speaks into our situations: God is in control."

"As Christians we must be in one mind with God in prayer and action. We must be in prayer and if there is anything we can do to help people around us, we must do it," Volkan emphasised.

The programme included reports of Christian leaders around the world calling for peace and featured an excerpt from a message by the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch in Turkey, Archbishop Sahak ll Mashalian.

"Christianity is a religion of peace," Patriarch Sahak said. "Peace is the most valued virtue in Christianity... and Jesus says you must ensure this peace."

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