Limburg. The president of the German Bishops’ Conference, Georg Bätzing, has called for peace initiatives in the war in Ukraine. “Even if the support of the country, which has been encroached upon in violation of international law, must continue with all necessary goods, at the same time peace initiatives are already needed,” said Bätzing in his Christmas sermon in Limburg cathedral on Sunday after the text of the speech had been distributed in advance. “Because otherwise how should it go on if it is hoped that soon the guns will finally fall silent?” asked the bishop of Limburg.
War and brutal human rights violations have sown hatred. “And that will presumably result in violence again and again for generations to come.” Therefore one must ask how the seeds of peace can be sown now. “Can diplomatic talks and confidence-building measures already bring people from both sides together for talks and peacebuilding projects?” According to Bätzing, single Christians in Germany are also in demand here, because after all, many people from Ukraine also live here from Russia. “Let’s come closer and talk to them about light and common perspectives amid the darkness of war and destruction,” Bätzing appealed. (dpa)
