Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine”

Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine”

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Mon, 07/20/2026 - 15:08

Rev. Karin van den Broeke, World Council of Churches (WCC) central and executive committee member, was part of a WCC-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. She also serves as the moderator of the WCC central committee programme subcommittee and as cochair of the WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity Reference Group. She took time to reflect on the people she met, how they inspired her, and what she believes churches can do .

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Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine

What do you take with you from the WCC solidarity visit to Ukraine?

Rev. van den Broeke: First of all, it is so good to be with people, to listen and to share. At home, many people said to me: “ Are you really going to Ukraine? Please, stay safe! ” And people in Ukraine told us: “ You are brave people to come here. ’” It was highly appreciated by the Ukrainians that the WCC decided to visit Ukraine once more in order to show sustained companionship. Being in…