Following news today of attacks by Russia on Ukrainian military targets, the Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, spoke of the need for prayer, and issued a call to offer support to those most affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Bishop Mark said:
“We have listened and prayed for the political leaders of the world as they have engaged with the complex and worrying situation at the Ukrainian border. We have heard national arguments, economic arguments, historic arguments and pleas for diplomacy.
“Early this morning all that has changed. Now our thoughts and prayers must be with those who woke to the sound of missiles exploding, with fear for their children on active duty, and for those families fleeing from fighting.
“As Christians we are called to be people of prayer. Our prayer is for peace, and also for the strength to offer ourselves in the service of others.
“Let us pray today for peace, and prepare ourselves to offer support where it is needed.”
The Primus is also among worship leaders from across Scotland who are encouraging the use of a special ecumenical prayer for peace in Ukraine as part of their services this Sunday (27 February).
The prayer has been produced by the Scottish Church Leaders Forum in response to the invasion and they stand in solidarity with all those who face the perils of war and the fear that ensues when the bonds of peace are broken.
Living God,
Creator and giver of life to all people:
We ask that you would hear our prayer for peace amongst the nations
And for ending of conflict in Ukraine.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who shall judge between the nations:
We ask that that you would lead the nations in the paths of peace
And that the dividing wall of hostility would be broken down.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who has inspired faith across the ages:
Grant peace in the midst of war
And bring harmony to the commonwealth of nations.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who gave his only Son that we might have life:
We ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit
And inspire in us hope that peace will be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Signed by:
Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church
Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church
Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army
Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Rev. Dr David Miller, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Neil MacMillan, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Paul Whittle, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)
Rev. Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland
Rev. Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)
Rev. Thomas R. Wilson, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland
