As the war in Ukraine grinds on, in late September the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 5,996 civilian deaths of whom 382 were children. There are no verified figures of military casualties but it is likely that many tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed from both sides and many have suffered terrible injuries.
At a recent lecture in autumn series entitled ‘What Am I Living For? Searching for Light, Shade and Truth’ Mike Woolridge interviewed three eminent journalists who all had experience of reporting on conflict and raised the question as to whether a just war was ever possible. Pope Francis certainly has a view on the answer. During a video meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in March this year he said:
‘Wars are always unjust, it is the people of God who pay ….there was a time, even in our Churches, when people spoke of a holy war or a just war. Today we cannot speak in this manner. A Christian awareness of the importance of peace has developed ……’
The Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation group recently hosted Pat Gaffney, a past Director of Pax Christi UK to help us consider non-violence as a Gospel value. The discussion centred on the importance, whenever possible, to foster a culture of dialogue, negotiation and political co-operation. Our contribution here can be important. Persistently challenging the arms trade and nuclear weapon policies and the financial support and investment in both is one example. Showing solidarity with those who refuse to cooperate with war is another. Urging our churches, our education system, our politicians and our industries to invest in peace-making skills, diplomacy, just economics and the care of creation is ever more urgent.
Jim Sikorski
