Ukrainian Catholic leader pleads: ‘Stop the bloodshed’
January 22, 2014
Amid continued civil unrest in Ukraine, the head of the largest Eastern Catholic church has appealed for an end to violence, according to a Religious Information Service of Ukraine report.
“With great dismay and sadness we witness the events taking place at the moment in Kiev,” said Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. “In view of these exceptional circumstances I would like to appeal to all the faithful of the Church, the Ukrainian people, and to all people of good will. In the name of God, stop the bloodshed! Violence was never the way to build a free and independent state! Bloodshed will never reconcile hearts or bring a positive outcome.”
“I appeal to the Ukrainian authorities: listen to your people, hear them, do not use violence against them or repressive mechanisms,” he added. “I appeal to our episcopate and clergy: especially at a time like this watch over the souls entrusted to you. Reach their hearts and minds with your words of peace. Proclaim the Gospel of Christ's peace. I call everyone to prayer for peace in our country.”
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Further information:
- UGCC Patriarch Calls On Ukrainian People To Stop Bloodshed (RISU)
- Ukraine: 2 dead from bullets near Kiev barricades (AP)
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