A Finnish journalist and a Swedish theologian say most Christians agree it is time to leave military neutrality. “But our ultimate trust is in the living, almighty God”.

The hybrid State of Europe Forum’s theme ‘Seeking shalom’ (Paris), was addressed in three bi-lingual plenary sessions, seekingto ‘understand the times’ and ‘to know what God’s people should do’.

In the Spanish city of Zaragoza, national and international speakers addressed the trends in Europe around the question of human identity. 

The Baptist Union of Spain has been in Ukraine monitoring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Amid the need and pain, “the churches there are experiencing a revival”, says Daniel Banyuls.

The Talking Jesus research analyses “the evangelism landscape in the UK today”. 42% say they are non-practising Christians and 16% identify as agnostics or atheists.

The Christian ship Logos Hope, with a crew of 60 nationalities and over 5,000 titles on board, also hosts cultural activities and social aid programmes.

Today is Europe Day. For a generation, the ‘peace narrative’ meant little. For millions of new Europeans, war was not part of their story. Yet suddenly, all that changed in February.

The Russian Orthodox leader, Patriarch Kirill, defines Russki Mir as a “special civilization which needs to be preserved”. He has become the main promoter of this nationalist idea.

The Italian Chinese Theological Seminary has been opened in Rome by a group of 55 churches. It will train pastors for Chinese-speaking communities in Italy and the rest of Europe.

Since the conflict began, Israel has received over 1,500 Jews from Ukraine, where around 43,000 Jews live.

The missionary had gone to the city to help with the evacuation. He worked for a Christian organisation that is helping Ukrainian orphans.

The challenge for the peoples of Europe today is to find the balance between protecting borders and open borders.

Matias Radziwiluk, director of a Bible Institute in Ukraine, explains the key role of the church in responding to the humanitarian and spiritual challenge.

Our missionary task as Christians and civic leaders must include a mission to the military. Where this need is overlooked, war crimes will continue.

Traditional values shared by many Christians, the threat of the nearby war in Ukraine, and a sense of protection of the country from outside influences are some of the reasons, say two Hungarian evangelical leaders.

Ukraine Connect has already matched over 90 individuals with a host. It has more than 400 refugees seeking for a place and over 245 potential offering homes.

You can tell most of them are not religious people. But now, everybody prays. They say, “We have no hope besides God”.

The Kyiv Slavic Evangelical Seminary in Kyiv has confirmed his body was found in the city where Russian troops have been accused of war crimes against civilians.

Brutal killings are denounced by the Ukrainian government and human rights organisations as Russia retires from occupied regions.

Viktor Orbán faces a united opposition coalition in the parliamentary vote of 3 April. The war in Ukraine has strongly shaped the campaign. Serbia also holds elections.

Thousands have already been hosted by families in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the UK. Websites connect refugees and potential hosts.

Hélder Favarin, evangelist and pastor in Spain, addresses some of the challenges of preaching to both Christians and non-Christians.

The Global Mercy will spend several weeks on the Spanish island, before leaving for its first humanitarian mission in Africa.

The act of consecration by Pope Francis will include this prayer: "O Mother, hear our prayer. Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war. Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world".

It is the first increase in the last 20 years, says the UN. The conflict in Ukraine is further aggravating the situation.