Communicators in Ukraine are “bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion”

Communicators in Ukraine are “bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion”

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Wed, 07/22/2026 - 16:37

Marianne Ejdersten, director of communication for the World Council of Churches (WCC), traveled with a WCC-led delegation to Ukraine for a solidarity visit on 14-17 July. She took time to reflect on the communications operation, on the prophetic voices that touched her heart, and what we can pray for the communicators that remain in Ukraine.

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From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; and Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee.

Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine

As you headed up a communications operation from Ukraine, what were the biggest logistical challenges?

Ejdersten: Traveling in war zones is always a major challenge, depending on the location, language barriers, and culture. That’s my experience after more than 25 years of experience with field visits, this time an ecumenical…