Bishop John Schol called on EPAUMC members Friday to pray, “particularly in your worship services this weekend for the people of Ukraine and for peace in the region.” He reported that the UMC’s Council of Bishops discussed in a called meeting the war being waged against the Ukrainian people by Russia.
“We heard from three of our Bishops who oversee the church in Europe and particularly parts of Eastern Europe,” he wrote. “It was heartbreaking, and we as Bishops of the church condemn aggression without provocation anywhere in the world and particularly in Ukraine.” He called for prayer for the refugees fleeing Ukraine seeking safety and for the UMC’s ability to help them.
Bishop Schol also addressed the Commission on General Conference’s statement that it would announce within a week its decision on whether General Conference will convene in session in August 2022 or be postponed a third time, due to COVID and related overseas travel restrictions. “Covid has prevented the Church from gathering to make important decisions,” he wrote. “Please continue to pray for the Commission and the Church.”