Archbishop Luoma condemns religious justification for war in Ukraine

Archbishop Tapio Luoma condemned the use of religion to justify the Russian invasion of Ukraine during a public event at Helsinki's Senate Square on August 24. Speaking on Ukraine's 35th Independence Day, the Archbishop addressed claims from the highest levels of the Russian Orthodox Church that the conflict is a ‘holy war’ fulfilling God's plan.

Luoma stated that an aggressive war cannot be justified in the name of God, calling such claims a destructive misuse of the Christian faith and a distortion of God's name. He noted the shocking scale of destruction and human suffering caused by the conflict, which has lasted four and a half years.

The Archbishop emphasized that the Ukrainian people have the right to live in freedom and security within their own country. He also called upon the international community to support Ukraine and work toward a just and sustainable peace, noting that the role of churches and religions is to promote peace and provide hope during times of crisis.