New Meeting of Friends in Ukraine
The Meeting was discerned during silent worship in the Kyiv University Botanical Garden
A group of Quakers marked the International Day of Peace by creating a Meeting of Friends of Ukraine.
The Meeting was discerned during silent worship in the Kyiv University Botanical Garden. ‘Today, the Spirit led us to pray for peace in Ukraine and create a religious community of Friends in Ukraine,’ said the minute (reproduced in full here). ‘We embrace the sufferings of Ukrainian people from Russian aggression, and the Mahatma Gandhi [statue] here reminds us that we could achieve justice and peace without violence, and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).’
The minute said the Meeting was formed ‘in the search for truth and peace in our lives on the basis of the historical faith and practice of the Quakers’. With a nod to the society’s ‘evangelical roots’, it also noted the influence of ‘Central European, British and other Meetings of the Friends World Committee for Consultation, including the World Plenary Meeting’.
‘It was agreed by Friends at the place and online that we establish the religious organization “Religious community of Quakers: Meeting of Friends of Ukraine”, shortform “Meeting of Friends of Ukraine”, also using the motto “Quakers: Friends of Ukraine”, to manifest our religion […] legally.’
The minute was recorded on 2 October by clerk Yurii Sheliazhenko on behalf of all who were part of the worship.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in significant damage to the nation’s cultural heritage, Quakers of Kyiv highlighted on its Facebook page last week. ‘According to a recent UNESCO report, 438 cultural sites have been damaged since February 24, 2022. This includes religious sites, buildings of historical and artistic significance, and museums. Additionally, over 3,700 educational institutions have been destroyed, and more than 7 million people, including many children, have been displaced.’
