Disciples and UCC express alarm over mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from Artsakh in statement of solidarity
Leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ issued the following statement today on the continuing crisis in Artsakh.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ have a history of accompanying the Armenian people. We are deeply grieved by what we are witnessing in Artsakh. Over the past week, we have watched with great alarm the mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabagh. More than 120,000 people have fled the remote enclave following Azerbaijan’s offensive to recapture the territory which has been home to an Armenian population for millennia.
Artsakh has long been a source of tension and conflict, particularly since the fall of the Soviet Union and the break-up of its former republics, and especially since 2020 when conflict escalated to a full-on war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the time, we joined ecumenical leaders in urging an end to the conflict, seeking a diplomatic solution instead of warfare, and hoping that a cease-fire would hold. In recent months, the circumstances of the Armenian population of Artsakh became a humanitarian crisis with Azerbaijani troops completely closing off the Lachin corridor to Armenia, and thereby cutting off the people from access to food, water, medicine, and other necessary supplies. Again, we advocated together with ecumenical partners in urging President Biden to address the crisis as a priority. The blockade has only been lifted following another Azerbaijani military offensive in mid-September, the announcement of a new cease-fire shortly afterwards, and Azerbaijan’s total occupation of the territory. Azerbaijan promised to protect the Armenian people of Artsakh, but the Armenian population has no basis on which to trust that such a promise would be fulfilled.
The refugees and displaced persons should have the opportunity to return to their homes with a guarantee of safety – by the international community if necessary. In the meantime, their basic needs must be met. The masses of people who have fled and are fleeing have mostly sought refuge in Armenia, but Armenia does not have the resources or capacity to provide for such a displacement. We have seen too many cases of massive displacement due to conflict that have resulted in the permanent uprooting of people from their homes with no option to return or to receive any compensation. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ reaffirm our commitment to the needs and rights of forcibly displaced people, including today the Armenian people of Artsakh.
We urge the international community, including the United States, to recognize this as the tragedy that it is. Some have described it as a “soft genocide,” which includes the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage. We call upon the countries of the world to affirm the human rights of the people affected, especially the displaced Armenians and those continuing to live in Artsakh in a situation of fear, and to seek a just resolution to this crisis before it becomes long-term. We call for an international response that upholds international law, rights, and humanitarian principles, including the immediate provision of the basic needs of those most vulnerable – the refugees, displaced, and remaining vulnerable populations, including women and children.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ continue to offer solidarity, fervent prayers, and support for the people of Artsakh: that their plight might be recognized, that they are cared for, and that they may find safety, peace, and justice.
May God have mercy.
| Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens General Minister and President Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) | Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson General Minister and President United Church of Christ |
| Rev. LaMarco A. Cable President, Disciples Overseas Ministries Co-Executive, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ | Dr. Peter Makari Transitional Executive, Wider Church Ministries (UCC) Co-Executive, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ |