Supporting the people of Ukraine has been on many of our hearts and minds over the past weeks.

Bishop Guli wrote an article for the Essex Chronicle last week, and in it, she says:

It’s easy to feel helpless when we are so far away, but we can make a difference. In the United Kingdom we often take our freedom to speak out for granted, but we can make the most of that freedom now by keeping pressure on our Government to help Ukrainian refugees; by writing to our Members of Parliament, local newspapers and using our voices on social media.

We can also support the people of Ukraine through one of the many organisations accepting financial donations. Among them are:

• The Diocese in Europe and USPG: this is a joint appeal to provide humanitarian support in Ukraine and for refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries.
• The DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee): brings together leading charities and are providing humanitarian aid in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, for refugees.

You can read more about these appeals and find out more about their work by clicking the links above.

As we hear more about our government’s plans for the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ sponsorship scheme, the Sanctuary Foundation is also inviting pledges of different kinds of support which will help to assist and accelerate the government response.

Of course, we also continue to hold the people of Ukraine and Russia in prayer.

God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their actions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.