Why church leaders get Ukraine wrong

Church leaders are wasting their time when they call for Ukraine to negotiate or for Russia to retreat. There’s a reason why they aren’t being listened to, explains John Heathershaw

In recent weeks, church leaders have struggled to make sense of the war in Ukraine.

General Synod heard a report which apparently advocated church neutrality. Following an outcry from many Ukrainians, Synod eventually voted for an amendment which reaffirmed condemnation of the invasion.

Meanwhile, the Pope caused controversy by appearing to suggest that Ukraine should have the courage to “raise the white flag and to negotiate”. The Vatican later clarified the papal comments, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second-highest ranking official after Francis, telling Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that Russia “should first and foremost cease fire.” But it was too late. Pope Francis had already handed a PR victory to the Kremlin.