Statement on the Crisis in Ukraine

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland

We feel profound sadness at the acute mental and physical suffering which the people of Ukraine are undergoing as a result of the military invasion initiated by the government of the Russian Federation.

We call for a cessation of violence, under the terms of the Geneva convention, which has been signed by both Russia and Ukraine.

As Quakers, we believe that God’s Spirit resides in all, and violence and war are never the only option. We implore the Ukrainian and Russian governments to pursue peaceful negotiations with open and creative minds.

Many people in Ukraine, Russia and around the world are hoping and praying for a peaceful outcome to this conflict. We hold in the Light all those in the Ukraine whose lives are in danger and disrupted by fear, the refugees fleeing from Ukraine, the many Russians who are shocked and dismayed at the course their government has taken, the decision makers, the soldiers, and all those courageously working for peace.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland

28 February 2022