Bengal Christian Council headed by the Rt Revd Dr.Paritosh Canning, under the aegis of the National Council of Churches in India is deeply pained by the fact that the war on Ukraine is still on. As heartbreaking images from the war-torn Ukraine floods the internet and all the television channels go in a frenzy with the bone chilling images of cities being destroyed one after the another, and men, women and children all looking scared and running worried for their lives. We have been praying for the cessation of hostilities in the region and that Russia will announce a ceasefire and take up non-violent ways in dealing with whatever issues it may have with Ukraine.

Bishop of Kolkata Rt. Revd. Dr. Paritosh Canning organized a Prayer for Peace along with Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary Gurdwara Behala and United Interfaith Foundation – India) who called upon all the religious leaders and faith leaders for a Prayer for Peace in light of the recent events that are being held in the World.

“The Military operation launched by Russia on the neighboring republic of Ukraine, aiming at full scale invasion of the country, has sent shock waves throughout the globe and is threatening World Peace altogether. As humans of the globe, we cannot remain indifferent to this grave situation; we need to arm ourselves with the spiritual ‘weapons’ of prayer and good wishes.”, said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation.

“We Pray that peace be restored as early as possible so that global peace and stability, as a whole, are not jeopardized as we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their hour of immense suffering, horror, grief and crisis. May Jesus (God) speak to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and soften their hearts, guide them and give them wisdom and in turn they become instruments of peace in the world for us all to look unto.”, said Bishop of Kolkata Rt. Revd. Dr. Paritosh Canning.

“Russia and Ukraine should solve their differences through talks and not with bombs and airstrikes. It is the responsibility of the international community to intervene for peace and to put pressure on Russia to stop the aggression immediately”, said Moulana Syed Zaki Hasan Rizvi, Imam e Jumma, Kolkata.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia (General Secretary Gurdwara Behala and United Interfaith Foundation – India) further added, “We believe that we have a responsibility to pray for the transformation of leaders who take up arms in anger or revenge, and that better sense may prevail among all. May Almighty’s protection and providence be upon Ukraine and Russia by which the entire region shall experience peace forever, and that innocent men, women and children don’t have to suffer anymore,”.

Regards
Dashmeshbir Singh
Treasurer
United Interfaith Foundation - India