Ukrainian Christian Leaders Rally in Washington: A Call for Support and Justice
Last week, a significant delegation from Ukraine made its way to Washington, D.C., marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This delegation, the largest of its kind, comprised nearly 200 Ukrainian pastors, priests, politicians, and wounded soldiers, all united in their mission to seek support for their country and advocate for a just resolution to the war. Their presence in the U.S. capital was not just a plea for military aid but also a heartfelt call for understanding and solidarity from the American people.
Igor Bandura, vice president of the Baptist Union of Ukraine, expressed the urgency of their mission, stating, “We are here to pray, to advocate, and to remind the American people and politicians that we are looking not just to end the war, but we need a just peace.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the Christian community, which has been actively involved in the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war.
As the war drags on, support for Ukraine among American conservatives and evangelicals appears to be waning. The Republican Party, particularly under the leadership of Donald Trump, has shown increasing skepticism toward international alliances, leading to concerns among Ukrainian leaders about the future of American support. Despite these challenges, the delegation remained hopeful, having previously witnessed successful efforts to rally bipartisan support for Ukraine.
The delegation’s journey was fraught with difficulties, as they traveled from Ukraine to Poland and then to the United States due to the ongoing conflict that has rendered many Ukrainian airports inoperable. Their arrival was bolstered by the presence of numerous Ukrainian Americans who joined them in Washington to raise awareness about the plight of their homeland.
During their time in Washington, delegation members participated in various events, including the International Religious Freedom (IRF) summit. Here, they listened to Vice President JD Vance, who has been vocal about his opposition to continued military aid for Ukraine. While he did not address the ongoing negotiations directly, he emphasized the importance of religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy, a point that resonates strongly with the Ukrainian Christian community.
According to a report by Mission Eurasia, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 47 religious leaders, and over 600 churches and religious buildings have been damaged. The report highlights the stark contrast between Ukraine, where religious freedom is upheld, and Russia, which has been known to suppress religious expression. This distinction is crucial for American policymakers and citizens alike, as they consider their stance on the conflict.
Pavlo Unguryan, a Ukrainian Baptist leader in the delegation, shared his experiences and the challenges faced by Christians in Ukraine. He noted that many in Russia label them as “American agents” simply for their faith and connections with American Christians. The persecution faced by Ukrainian Christians under Russian occupation underscores the need for U.S. support in preserving religious freedom and human rights in the region.
The human cost of the war is staggering. Many delegation members shared their personal stories of loss and survival. Yaroslav Bazylevych, who lost his entire family to a Russian missile strike, poignantly articulated the need for continued American assistance. “I would like Ukraine to receive a lot of help from Americans in order to overcome the Russian aggression,” he said, encapsulating the desperation and hope of countless Ukrainians.
While the delegation is not opposed to peace negotiations, they firmly believe that any plan must prioritize justice and fairness. Mykhailo Brytsyn, a pastor displaced by the conflict, emphasized that a fair resolution requires Russian withdrawal from all occupied territories. This sentiment was echoed by former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, who expressed his trust in American leadership to negotiate a favorable outcome for Ukraine.
As the delegation concluded its visit, they left behind a powerful message: the future of Ukraine is intertwined with the principles of justice, freedom, and faith. Ukrainian Christians are not just seeking military aid; they are calling for a moral stance against oppression and a commitment to uphold religious liberty.
In these challenging times, the Christian community in Ukraine continues to pray for wisdom and strength, trusting that God holds the ultimate authority over nations and leaders. As Pavlo Unguryan aptly put it, “As believers in Christ, we understand God controls history. He controls kings. He controls everything.” This unwavering faith, combined with their advocacy efforts, serves as a reminder of the resilience and hope that define the Ukrainian spirit amidst adversity.
For more information on the ongoing situation in Ukraine and how you can help, visit World Vision and Mission Eurasia.