Let Us Show Respect for One Another!
An Appeal by the Lutheran Bishops of Poland and Ukraine
We are all familiar with the Gospel story of Jesus calming the stormy waters (cf. Matt 8:23–27). For centuries, this image of a rocking and trembling boat has served to illustrate the Church’s troubled history. It can also serve as an illustration of the spiritual condition and social moods arising from internal and external tensions. In this context, the words of a hymn come to mind: “Give peace to us, o Lord, the world runs the wrong way!” (ŚE 842,1)
Ukraine, fighting bravely, is struggling with unimaginable suffering that is being politically monetized not only by the Russian aggressor, but also by all those who, unwittingly or deliberately, fuel ethnic and religious antagonisms, not only in Europe. All this is accompanied by a religious undercurrent, a perverse exploitation of the Christian message to dehumanise and promote xenophobia. The Gospel of love and human solidarity is being reduced to a tool of verbal violence, whilst Christianity is being turned into a nationalist system of aggression cloaked in religious garb. Unfortunately, we are witnessing an epidemic of violence, the rule of force and hatred.
In the Polish-Ukrainian context, these are not theoretical considerations, but in fact the everyday reality for many Ukrainian women and men, including children and young people, who in Poland are exposed to a wide spectrum of aggression from radical groups seeking to appropriate and instrumentalise the difficult history of Polish-Ukrainian relations. Admittedly, we have a difficult history, but this should be the subject of calm historical research, free from political pressure. Otherwise, the history of Volhynia or many other chapters of our shared history becomes fuel for inflaming interpersonal relations, thereby preventing genuine dialogue, reconciliation and remembrance, and consequently mutual understanding.
As bishops of the Lutheran Churches in Poland and Ukraine, we firmly oppose all manifestations of aggression and disrespect in our mutual relations. Our Churches, though few in number, have been involved in extensive humanitarian aid since the very first days of the war. Our relations have grown closer. This is evidenced not only by the Partnership Agreement between our Churches, signed during last year’s Synod, but above all by our unity in Christ centred upon the Word and the Sacraments, and our shared faith in the Evangelical calling to peace, especially ‘when hearts are hardened’.
It is terrifying that the brutal attack on the monastery in Jarosław (Poland) and the tragic death of one of the Roman Catholic priests have, for many, served not as a call to Christian compassion and forgiveness, but as a source of escalating negative emotions. Therefore, we appreciate the clear witness to the Gospel that emerged from the sermon delivered at St Nicholas’ Church in Jarosław all the more. We are equally grateful for the examples of simple kindness shown to others on a daily basis – in workplaces, schools and universities, and on the streets. We thank you for all gestures of spiritual and material support, which bear witness to the fact that hatred does not have the final word. Jesus is present in his Word, not so that we may hide away or foster a spirit of fear, but so that we may demonstrate strength, love and sound judgement (2 Tim 1:7).
We call for reason and evangelical discernment in the face of misinformation appearing in the media. We ask for vigilance to resist all forms, even the most subtle, of spreading discord amongst us – whether through history, religion or any other factors. Let us show respect for one another and stand up for those who, in various ways, are vulnerable to suffering because of their origin, language, skin colour or religion.
As the Church Year comes to an end, let us pray during our services that the Lord may grant us a spiritual revival and kindle our faith, for His mercy is boundless.” (ŚE 716,1.2)
Rev. Pavlo Shvarts, Presiding Bishop of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ukraine
Rev. Jerzy Samiec, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland
image by Sola Mokryk