Let the Children Come
Graphic Courtesy of UMC Council of Bishops
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – The United Methodist Council of Bishops issued the following statement July 24, 2024:
We condemn Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian targets, most recently the atrocious attack on the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. Attacks against civilian targets are war crimes and a violation of all humanitarian principles.
We call on governments and the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to maintain the demand for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian soil.
We support the Ukrainian Council of Churches in holding the Russian Orthodox Church accountable for its support of Russia's invasion and war against Ukraine.
The United Methodist Church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes. While we support Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and justice, we grieve that in a world where so many live in poverty, governments continue to dedicate enormous resources to preparing for and conducting wars.
We stand with the United Methodists in Ukraine in their tireless work to shelter internally displaced people and to bring hope and comfort. We call on all Methodists to pray for the freedom of Ukraine and for a just and lasting peace. As we yearn for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice.