London:

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has called upon people to show solidarity with those enduring the ravages of war and to actively pursue peace. In his New Year message to RAF Brize Norton in the UK, he made reference to the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Hamas war, stating, "There seems to be war everywhere these days. Wars that we know about, and wars that are forgotten," during his year-end address broadcast on BBC1.

He recounted witnessing the human toll of war firsthand in war-torn regions, remarking, "I went to Bucha in Ukraine, where we found evidence of atrocities, and I have met Ukrainian refugees in Georgia and Romania, families having to start anew in a new country."

Furthermore, he shared his encounters with individuals displaced by conflict, including those affected by the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. During a visit to Jerusalem last October, he heard from individuals traumatized by war in both Palestinian and Israeli communities. He emphasized the call of Jesus Christ to "stand with those who suffer because of war and to work for peace."

These statements followed Russia's recent drone attack on Ukraine, targeting the capital, Kyiv, and the border city of Kharkiv. This came after earlier strikes on the Russian border city of Belgorod, which resulted in at least 24 casualties and a promise from Russia that the attacks "would not go unpunished."

In his address, the archbishop also honored the armed forces in the UK, highlighting their embodiment of the theme of last year's coronation. He emphasized that they were central to the festivities, not only due to the public's fascination with their ceremonial role, but also because they, along with many others in the country, exemplify service. The archbishop acknowledged the tireless efforts of the UK's armed forces, both domestically and internationally, in safeguarding the nation and offering support in conflict zones and following natural disasters. He also expressed concern for the well-being of service personnel and their families, recognizing the sacrifices made to protect the vulnerable and uphold security. The Archbishop of Canterbury praised the dedication of those serving in the UK's armed forces, near and far, as a testament to their commitment to their country.