RCJ Vredesverklaring – 4 Maart 2022

Statement of Protest against Russian Invasion of Ukraine

and Call for a Peaceful Solution

“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

(Matthew 26:52)

We, the Reformed Church in Japan, strongly protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. We urge the Russian military to swiftly withdraw from Ukraine and seek to resolve the dispute by peaceful means.

1． _The military advance into Ukraine is an act of invasion that violates the Charter of the United Nations 

Chapter I, Article 2 of the United Nations Charter states, “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.” It also states, “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” In addition, Chapter VI, Article 33 clearly states the obligation to seek peaceful means to resolve international disputes. 

However, Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine ignores the spirit of such UN Charter and tramples on the order of law and justice in international law. It threatens the lives of Ukrainian people and denies their human rights. The dispute between the two countries should be resolved by peaceful means over time, and there is no other true solution. The attempt to change the status quo through military forces like this not only causes further confusion across Europe but is also a backward move against the peace and stability of the world as a whole. In addition, the threat or use of nuclear weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin is absolutely unacceptable. We strongly protest against President Putin’s remarks and call on all countries with nuclear powers to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to move toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. 

2． _We intercede on behalf of Ukraine and Russia and pray for their reconciliation 

As Russia’s military attacks Ukraine, Ukrainian civilians, especially young children, have also become victims of the war. Lives of both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been lost. It is a grave sin against God, who is the Creator of life and rich in love and grace, to take away the precious lives of one another in a war. Each and every person’s life is priceless. We, who are called to be peacemakers by Jesus Christ, the Lord of Peace, once again state the truth that force (the sword) will never bring peace and those who use force will perish by force. We urge Russia to immediately cease military attacks and withdraw. We pray for comfort and encouragement from the Lord Jesus to be with Ukrainian people who are facing the war. We earnestly pray for true reconciliation between the two countries. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) 

March 4, 2022 

Religious Corporation Reformed Church in Japan

General Assembly Missions and Social Issues Committee 

Chairman Kenji Yumiya