The role of churches in building a just peace amid Russia’s war against Ukraine was the focus of an online discussion hosted by the Conference of European Churches (CEC) on 25 September 2026. Bishop Kaisamari Hintikka explored how Christian faith can guide both daily acts of peace and difficult decisions about war.
Bishop Hintikka, of the Diocese of Espoo in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, introduced The Call to Peace, a bishops’ letter published in 2025. Written against the backdrop of war in Europe and beyond, it brings together Christian teaching, Finland’s experience and practical questions about how peace is built.
“People yearn for peace, but peace does not happen by itself,” Bishop Hintikka’s presentation said. She described peace as both God’s gift and a task that begins in daily encounters.
The discussion also faced the difficult question of armed defence. The letter considers when force might be used to prevent greater harm, while holding that “Even a just war is always contrary to God’s will.” Participants discussed how churches can support Ukraine, address the changing nature of warfare and avoid calls for reconciliation before responsibility for wrongdoing is acknowledged.
Bishop Hintikka stressed that those affected by conflict must have a voice in decisions about peace. The letter calls for women, young people, people with disabilities and minority communities to take part. It says Ukraine must be at the table when terms to end Russia’s war of aggression are agreed.
Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, CEC General Secretary, moderated the session. It formed part of CEC’s Pathways to Peace initiative, which connects European churches and partners in work for justice, reconciliation and peace in Ukraine. The initiative brings Ukrainian church voices into ecumenical discussions and supports dialogue with European institutions.
The event followed CEC discussions on just peace in Warsaw in 2024 and on resisting empire in Helsinki in 2025.
Read The Call to Peace