Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine

Press Release No: 08/26
20 July 2026
Brussels

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) joined a World Council of Churches (WCC) solidarity visit to Ukraine from 14 to 17 July 2026. The delegation met church and religious leaders, senior government representatives and local communities.

CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach took part at the invitation of the WCC. He joined WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and WCC Central Committee Moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm.

“I am grateful to the WCC for inviting CEC to join this solidarity visit,” said Fischbach. “It showed how ecumenical organisations can work effectively at different geographical levels.”

The delegation heard about the effects of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Discussions covered the humanitarian situation, religious freedom and the role of churches in healing, dialogue and support for communities.

“I was impressed by the resilience of the people we met,” said Fischbach. “People are tired and traumatised by the war and the continued attacks. Yet they remain calm and firm in defending their country, society and way of life.”

Pillay said the delegation was encouraged by the “resilience, tenacity and hope expressed in the people”. He reaffirmed the WCC’s commitment to accompany Ukraine’s churches and faith communities and to work for a just peace.

The visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations (UCCRO). The Council brings together churches and religious communities representing more than 90% of religious organisations in Ukraine.

Fischbach congratulated UCCRO on three decades of cooperation. He said its unity was a sign of resilience, perseverance and hope.

“For 30 years, you have stood together as religious communities, serving your country, society and people,” he said. “Despite your diversity, you share a commitment to the common good and freedom of religion or belief.”

Fischbach also welcomed UCCRO’s aspiration for Ukraine to become a member of the European Union. He stressed that EU membership does not mean embracing dangerous forms of nationalism, but offers nations the opportunity to shape Europe together on an equal footing.

The delegation met His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and Chair of UCCRO. It also held talks with representatives of churches, religious communities and the Ukrainian authorities.

CEC’s participation builds on its close cooperation with the WCC and its continued support for churches and communities in Ukraine. Through its Pathways to Peace initiative, CEC focuses on just peacebuilding in Ukraine. It facilitates dialogue among churches, ecumenical organisations and European institutions.

Learn more about Pathways to Peace

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communications Coordinator
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
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