Local ministers call for peace in Ukraine
Photo by St. Clair Murraine
By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer
Calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop his attack on Ukraine, a group of local ministers prayed for the people who are fighting for their country.
Putin ordered thousands of troops to attack Ukraine in an attempt to regain the country that became independent in 1991, following the dismantling of the Russian-led Soviet Union. Since Russian soldiers began moving into Ukraine, there has been a world-wide outcry over Putin’s action.
The group of local clergymen and women who met on the front porch of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church this past Sunday joined protesters around the country. In addition to prayer, the 30-minute event featured scripture reading and songs.
“We know that war kills,” said Rev. RB Holmes, pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. “War destroys families and children. It’s incumbent upon people of faith all across the world to call on their God to ask for peace and solidarity.
He went on to challenge Putin to call off his soldiers and save lives.
“The right thing is to withdraw those troops,” Holmes said. “The right thing is to come to the table to negotiate. The right thing is don’t attack a free and independent country. Ukraine doesn’t deserve this.”
News agencies have reported that Russian troops seized two small cities Sunday, but reports also indicated Russia’s advance has been much slower than expected. There also were reports of a Ukrainian delegation showing up at the Russian border near Belarus to participate in ceasefire talks with Russian representatives.
Meanwhile, hundreds of missiles have been fired at Ukrainian targets. Newscasts also show scenes where civilian infrastructures have been hit.
North Florida Congressional representative Al Lawson issued a statement, warning Putin that U.S. and its allies will hold him accountable.
“Russia is violating the core principles that uphold global peace and security, seeking to change the borders of a sovereign country by force,” Lawson said. “It is a dismal day for the people of Ukraine, and I am praying for them.”
The pastors offered rousing prayers, asking for a change of heart from Putin and guidance for President Joe Biden.
“Let him feel the presence of the holy spirit as he moves around,” Rev. Frank McDonald said in his prayer for Biden. “Let him hear your voice. Tell him what he needs to do and how he needs to go about doing it.”
Biden set off a rash of sanctions against Putin immediately after the assault started on Ukraine. Early affects of the mostly economic sanctions indicated Russian stocks have been tumbling.
Holmes, however, said prayer could be the most effective to bring about positive change.
“As faith leaders, we still believe that prayer works, we believe strongly in nonviolence and we think prayer, diplomacy (and) unity can get us out of a whole lot of wars and a whole lot of mess,” Holmes said. “We strongly support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Ukraine is a democracy. Ukraine is about freedom and sovereignty.”
