War in Ukraine has forced tens of thousands of people to flee in fear of their lives since attacks began on February 24. The United Nations is predicting up to 6 million people will soon be in need of humanitarian assistance.

Across the globe people are horrified by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

In a region that learnt the devastating lessons of war last century, the pattern has the tragic possibility of repeating.
It flies in the face of much of the progress in peaceful coexistence that Europe has made in recent decades.

Once again, on European soil, we see the rights and wellbeing of millions of ordinary people trampled on by an aggressive and entitled leader.

It also flies in the face of the Jesus values of peacemaking. In this instance, those values call us to stand against violence and stand with the oppressed.

Those values call for de-escalation and peace talks.

They call for humility and kindness.

As Christians we stand in solidarity with the vast chorus of voices calling for the aggression to end and the peaceful solutions to begin.

- Joint Aotearoa New Zealand Church Leaders

As a church, we are supporting those displaced after fleeing Ukraine by giving to ACT Alliance members in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. ACT Alliance members are distributing food, water, hygiene supplies and blankets as well as cups of tea for people approaching the border with Hungary.

You can read more about their work and donate here.

* Video of Ukrainian refugees reading Psalm 31*