Like many other congregations across the UK, St Aldhelm Benefice, in the Isle of Purbeck, sent clothes to Ukraine when the Russian invasion started. They raised money and prayed faithfully, but as the fighting continued and the suffering on both sides increased, they've been weighed by the conviction that there is more that we, as a Church, could do.
Revd James Mercer and Chris Meadows share more: "It is our judgment that no matter how significant advances by the Ukrainian forces are, long-term peace will not come about without changes in thinking in Russia.
"There are brave people in Russia who speak out despite the suffering that all too often follows their public stands. It is also safe to say, that many more are having doubts about the decisions that have been made to win back former territory – though they may not be able to articulate why they feel the way they do.
"Up until now, the Orthodox Church in Russia has been supportive of reclaiming lost territory. However, if you read their website (the translate button works very well), there is evidence that reality is beginning to dawn as thousands are conscripted and the dead return to their loved ones. The time may be coming when the Church modifies its position, its moral influence grows and it helps to bring about rehabilitation for the Russian nation.
"And so, after a lot of thought and prayer, we had a zoom meeting with Bishop Karen and put forward ideas to her on how we might reach out to the congregations of the Orthodox Church. The objective being to get the idea over to fellow Christians that things are not as they have been told and that Russian service people are giving their lives fighting threats that truly do not exist.
"Bishop Karen suggested that we should write this article, hoping to make contact with anyone interested in exploring how we might reach out in a meaningful and effective way – yet doing so without appearing to be superior, and mindful of the dangers faced by anyone in Russia seen to be unpatriotic at this time.
For anyone interested in exploring how we may reach out to the Church, or if you have contact with Ukrainian refugees in your area, we would particularly welcome your input, we encourage you to send us an email at jamesjmercer@mac.com.