RESPOND

  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Ukraine: What We Can Do

In such unprecedented times as this, as Russia invades Ukraine and war breaks out, it can be difficult to know how to respond.

We have gathered some resources and information here that you may find helpful as you navigate this season, as our hearts cry out to God for peace and unity.

Refugees From Ukraine

As the dreadful war in Ukraine continues, an estimated three million refugees have now left the country. The love of Christ constrains us to show compassion and to practise hospitality as we are able in response to this immense dislocation of our neighbours. Many churches and church members have taken initiatives of one kind or another, including signing up to the UK Government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme.

There are three key things we would like to highlight to you:

  • We are working with the European Baptist Federation (EBF) and our Baptist friends in Ukraine to explore whether there is a way they can help link up refugees with the Baptist community in the UK. This is not simple and EBF is under a great deal of pressure just now, but if we are able to develop a scheme in the coming days we will let you know.
  • We have spoken with Sanctuary Foundation, led by Krish Kandiah, and believe it will be beneficial for churches and individuals to register with them for help with supporting refugees.
  • BMS remains our focus for financial support. They are channelling finance through EBF to the work of Baptist communities in and around Ukraine who are supporting people on the move as a result of the war.

BMS World Mission

UKRAINE: HOW TO PRAY AND GIVE

Join us in prayer for Ukraine as Russian troops advance and widespread violence is reported across the country.

Download our Prayer Powerpoint and a Prayer PDF to use within your churches and small groups

Gift. Your donations have significant impact in such a crisis and you can donate here

Sanctuary Foundation

Supporting New Arrivals from Ukraine

Watching the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Ukraine right now, many of us are wondering what we can do to help. The Sanctuary Foundation invites you to join us to make a real difference to the lives of Ukrainian people.

The UK government has announced it is developing a new humanitarian sponsorship programme that will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainian families to come to the UK.

This humanitarian sponsorship route is currently being designed, but it will assist and accelerate the government response if we can capture expressions of interest from potential sponsors as soon as possible.

We are therefore asking individuals, community groups, churches, schools and businesses to register their interest in becoming a sponsor when the scheme is developed. Declaring your interest will greatly assist the development and acceleration of this vital provision for Ukrainian refugees.

European Baptist Federation

Pray for Peace, Every Wednesday, 6pm

During the month of March, the EBF invites everyone to join us for an international prayer gathering on Zoom every Wednesday.

Together, we will pray for the situation in Ukraine. We believe that prayers are more powerful than anything else.

 

Prayer for Peace, Scottish Church Leaders Forum

We offer our prayer in response to the invasion of Ukraine and 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:
Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman
Catholic Church
Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish
Episcopal 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