WCC: We stand at the side of the Ukrainian people in resisting the invasion

An ecumenical delegation led by the World Council of Churches (WCC) met with representatives from the Ukrainian government, including deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, and head of the State Religious Service Viktor Yelensky.

Kovalska acknowledged the importance of the solidarity visit and the role of WCC in walking with communities toward an end to the war.

She expressed gratitude to the WCC leadership for their ongoing work and support for decades in the field of unity, peace, reconciliation, and justice.

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed appreciation for a frank and open conversation with government representatives on a variety of topics, including the current situation in Ukraine under the challenges of the war, peace initiatives, freedom of religion, state and church relations, political instability, and perceived corruption.  “ The WCC will continue to speak against war and plead for dialogues for peace,” he said.  “ Violence does not bring solutions but only pain, trauma, and suffering on innocent people.”

Moderator of the WCC central committee Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm said it was…