Interfaith religious leaders share concerns for Ukraine
On May 12, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., and some 50 interfaith leaders gathered at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J. The gathering was sponsored by the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey. It is a group of interfaith leaders from around New Jersey who work together to explore how best to make New Jersey a more just and peaceful state.
Part of the program was an address by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States, which is based in Philadelphia. Archbishop Daniel shared about the reality of the war within his community and the suffering of his own family in Ukraine. He shared that war can either make us bitter and angry, or we can open ourselves to the grace and love that the crucified Lord offers to those undergoing suffering.
Part of the program was prayers offered by leaders of the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh communities. Cardinal Tobin offered the prayer from the Christian tradition and asked God’s blessing and peace to come upon the Ukrainian people during these difficult days.
The Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey also signed a joint letter that follows.
To His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel:
We write to you as Colleagues in Faith and in response to your statement “Pray for Ukraine!” As members of the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders, an interfaith coalition of Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh Faith Leaders, we unite with you in our prayers for Peace and the wellbeing of the people of Ukraine.
We pray for the Ukrainian people whose lives and freedoms are threatened. Our prayers are with all peoples in harm’s way, including civilians, children, and the elderly. Those seeking refuge and asylum, those defending their freedom in this tragic time of war. We pray for all the leaders and people living in fear and are caught in the crossfire. We mourn the loss of all life. We pray for world leaders to pursue all diplomatic efforts to bring a just resolution for the Ukrainian people. We condemn Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and their violating international law.
Do know in this difficult time for you and your faithful congregants we stand with you and join in prayer beseeching loving kindness and abundant Blessings upon the people of Ukraine during these days of great danger for their safety and wellbeing. We stand with you in solidarity with the Ukrainian Churches in New Jersey. We lift up in our prayers Ukrainian brothers and sisters here in New Jersey whom many are deeply concerned about their loved ones who are living in Ukraine. We will seek to discern ways in this tragic moment that we can witness together as people of faith seeking justice and peace for your beloved homeland. We will encourage members in our faith communities to lift up the people of Ukraine in prayer. We offer up these prayers in the many names of our Sacred Creator whose desire for us is to live in peace with one another.
Father Timothy Graff is the secretary, Parish Mission and Vitality, for the Archdiocese of Newark and the director of the Social Concerns Office.
Featured image: On May 12, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., and some 50 interfaith leaders gathered at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J. Part of the program was prayers offered by leaders of the Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh communities. Cardinal Tobin offered the prayer from the Christian tradition and asked God’s blessing and peace to come upon the Ukrainian people during these difficult days.
