Letter from Cressida Pryor
March 20, 2022

As I write this I am in awe of the bravery of Marina Ovsyannikova who was charged with unlawful protest and fined 30,000 roubles (£215) before being released after her audacious on-air protest on Russian state TV Channel One on Monday evening…she recognized the platform she had could potentially reach many who were being denied the full reality and truth of the news.

Some have described this as a ‘Queen Esther moment’…taking an opportunity to stand up to injustice aware of the risks but going ahead anyway…how many of us can say we would do this? It might not hit the media as Marina Ovsyannikova’s calculated act did…but in other ways I hope we would have the faith and strength to do something to fight for peace and justice…

This letter is written in such wretched times…at Imbolc there were threats of invasion but since then the miseries and madness that war has unfolded have defied belief.

In these times we must dig deep into our purses, our hearts and our prayers…we need to find strength so we don’t despair; Mother Julian of Norwich reminds us that despair achieves nothing and blocks us from useful action…we need to connect with others for strength and support.

This is the time for our fellowship…envisage our network of connections, our Goddess strength and wisdom reaching across to where it is needed…

Divine Isis be present with all who are suffering terribly from the violence in Ukraine. Lift up the hearts of those who fear. And inspire courage among the peacemakers.

Be present with political leaders, insuring a retreat from violence and a procession towards the peace table.

Guide the hands of all those who are caring for the injured, the hungry, the grieving and those hosting Ukrainian guests.

And, open our own hearts to compassion. Remind us of our complicity and responsibility.

And lead us towards generous engagement and move us always towards a vision of peace.

In Her name may we go in Peace and Justice.

Cressida, FOI Steward