Faith Minister Kemi Badenoch and London church leaders today met
at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London to demonstrate
solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people and the role the
Christian church can play in welcoming newly arrived Ukrainians
in the UK.
The minister met leaders, including Rector of the Ukrainian
Cathedral and Archbishop of Westminster, and said the government
and faith leaders stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with the Ukrainian
community, which has a ‘deep and long-standing connection’ with
the UK.
Faith Minister, , said:
The UK and Ukraine have a deep, long-standing connection, with
the first Ukrainians arriving in Manchester over a century ago.
Today, in 2022, tens of thousands of people born in Ukraine now
call the UK home – and I hope they will continue to call it home
long into the future.
Since the conflict began, people in this country have been in awe
of the determination and courage Ukrainians have shown.
It has sparked a wave of support across the UK with people up and
down the country making donations to help the humanitarian effort
and attending vigils to show solidarity.
As ever, the church and other faith communities have been at the
heart of these humanitarian efforts, and I stand together with
faith leaders in calling for peace and offering our full support.
Those who attended the meeting included:
- Minister Kemi Badenoch - Minister of State for Equalities and
Levelling Up Communities
- Cardinal Vincent Nichols - RC - Archbishop of Westminster
- Ven Luke Miller - Archdeacon of London - Anglican
- Archbishop Nikitas Archbishop of Thyateira and Britain
- Archbishop Angaelos - Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of London
- Bishop Christopher Chessun - - Anglican
- Bishop Lynne Cullens - Bishop of Barking -Anglican
- Rev Msgr Kevin Hale - Vicar General Diocese of Brentwood
- Revd George Watt - Moderator, URC Thames North
- Phil Barnard - Team Leader, London Baptist Association
- Lieut. Colonel. David Shakespeare - Salvation Army
- Les Isaac OBE - President of the Ascension Trust
- Ven Elwin Crockett - Archdeacon of West Ham - Anglican
- Andy Frost - Moderator of Free Churches Group Jesus
International
- Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle - Methodist Conference
The , The Rt Revd and Rt Hon
Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:
Church leaders of all denominations across London have been
horrified by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as it
continues to unfold. Today, we stand together in praying for
peace.
As millions of Ukrainians are being forced from their homes,
families torn apart by a senseless conflict, we, as Christians
and as a community, must do all we can to support those fleeing
from war and those who remain in Ukraine.
Very Rev Fr Mykola Matwijiwskyj, Cathedral Rector, Vicar General
of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London,
said
Church leaders have gathered at the Ukrainian Cathedral in
central London to stand with Ukraine and its God-loving people as
they suffer the atrocities of war and crimes against humanity.
Today, leaders of all denominations across London unite to pray
for peace and to work together to ensure the safety and welfare
of those fleeing, so that those displaced may find solace and
peace of soul in their traditional churches.
DLUHC is launching a new sponsorship
scheme to make sure Ukrainians forced to flee their
homes due to this terrible conflict have a route to safety.
The scheme will match charities, businesses and individuals to
those who do not have family ties to the UK, allowing them to
come here for an initial 12 months, with the ability to work and
access public services.
This is alongside the extended family route and changes to visas
for people already in the UK which we have been brought in
following extensive engagement with Ukrainian partners on what
support is needed now, which will allow tens of thousands of
people to be reunited with their families and stay here safely.
