The brutal war in Ukraine has triggered the largest war-related migration of people since the Balkan War of the 1990s. As the war develops the situation on the ground can change quickly.
It is estimated that 74 per cent of these people are women and children.
Many, having left with the few possessions they can carry, have been able to establish new lives, but the anguish of this prolonged and devastating war is ever-present. Although some Ukrainians have been able to visit loved ones at home, or return permanently to different parts of Ukraine, the numbers have been declining as the war drags on and civilian deaths have risen.
Despite the heart wrenching stories and distressing pictures coming out of Ukraine, there are practical ways in which we can all help to show solidarity and support with those most affected. This page contains information for parishes and individuals seeking to respond.
Pray
The first thing we can do is pray. On the morning of the invasion of Ukraine, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York issued a call for people to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia and for peace.
This call to prayer remains as urgent today as it did at the start of the conflict.
Please find below two prayers which can be used to pray for the situation.
We also have a page of resources including prayers and readings chosen for prayer services for Ukraine.
Prayer for the Peace of the World
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Download the prayer for the Peace of the World graphic
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Act
There are thought to be more than seven million refugees who have now fled Ukraine and many more millions who have been displaced within Ukraine. Many of these have sought to join family or friends in other European nations.
More than 138,000 Ukrainians have arrived seeking sanctuary in the UK.
About 38,000 of those have made use of the UK family visa scheme which is open to the extended family members of Ukrainians with permanent status in the UK (e.g. Indefinite Leave to Remain), and Ukrainian family members of British nationals and EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status. If you are in touch with Ukrainians in your community you can direct them to how to apply and the eligibility rules here.
A larger number have arrived via the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This includes a hosting scheme for Ukrainians. Please note that while this scheme has been open for some time there is still a demand for new hosts, particularly as we reach the end of the initial sponsorship arrangement.
Events in Ukraine also mean we are expecting a new spike in applications over November and December 2022. Check if your diocese has a scheme or register with RESET or the Sanctuary Foundation if you have an interest in becoming a host. The toolkit above has the latest details on hosting arrangements and resources.
Church Urban Fund has partnered with the Benefact Trust to launch our Refugee Support Small Grants Programme.
Together, they are supporting Christian projects that help refugees arriving in England from Ukraine and Afghanistan. They offer small grants between £500 and £5,000. Registered Christian charities and members of Churches Together in England are all welcome to apply. More information is available on here.
If you have broader questions about how your church might be able to be part of sponsorship schemes you can also contact our National Community Sponsorship Representative Domenica Pecoraro.
This section will be updated as more details emerge.
Truro Cathedral Choir recording a setting of Ave Maria, by Ukrainian contemporary composer Valentin Silvestrov, to raise money for Ukrainian children through Unicef
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