“The role of religion in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine” was a theme in focus at a virtual seminar hosted by the Conference of European Churches (CEC) on 30 June. Speakers representing Ukrainian churches addressed pertinent topics related to global church response, religious diplomacy and the responsibility of European churches in promoting ecumenical dialogue, while safeguarding justice and truth.
Speakers in the seminar were H.E Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Deputy Head of the External Church Relations Department of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, spokesperson for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and Professor at the Kiev Theological Academy, Prof. Sergii Bortnyk, member of the Department for External Church relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Professor at the Kiev theological academy (UOC), and Dr Christine Schliesser, Director of Studies at the Center for Faith and Society at the University of Fribourg. CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger opened the seminar.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February this year, CEC has engaged deeply with its Member Churches, and churches beyond its fellowship, advocating for peace in Ukraine.
CEC has been closely following developments in Ukraine and the neighbouring countries, highlighting experiences of the churches in Ukraine, discussing their responses to the war and hopes for the future. CEC through its events, statements and official messages, has highlighted religious voices in Ukraine, especially voices from the churches in the country, raising awareness about the war in Ukraine.
Presentations from the speakers will be made available in due time.