“The government of Ukraine has the sovereign right and responsibility to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to protect its citizens, even more so in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion and armed aggression,” said Pillay and Bedford-Strohm.

The World Council of Churches has consistently condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, and “we remain steadfast in that position,” they said. “Ukrainian authorities have a right to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and to prosecute individuals guilty of crimes against the interests of Ukraine.”
 
At the same time, they said, “the WCC is deeply alarmed by the potential for unjustified collective punishment of an entire religious community and violation of the principles of freedom of religion or belief under a new law approved by the Ukrainian Rada on 20 August 2024.”

The new law now awaits the signature of President Zelensky.

“We call again on the Ukrainian government to exercise caution in relation to measures that risk violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and undermining social cohesion at this time of national emergency,” said Pillay and Bedford-Strohm.
 
“We note the six-step process prescribed by the new law before a religious organization can be banned, and plead that there be a fair and unbiased approach to any such investigation, and that due consideration be given to the principles of international law, natural justice, and due process in undertaking any actions under this new law.”

They concluded: “Neither the crimes of some individuals, nor the historical affiliations of a particular religious entity, can be a sufficient basis for measures tantamount to collective punishment of a living worshipping religious community in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is responsible for protecting the rights of all its citizens.”

Following is the text of WCC statement issued on August 24, 2024:

The government of Ukraine has the sovereign right and responsibility to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to protect its citizens, even more so in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion and armed aggression. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has consistently condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, and we remain steadfast in that position. Ukrainian authorities have a right to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and to prosecute individuals guilty of crimes against the interests of Ukraine. 

At the same time, the WCC is deeply alarmed by the potential for unjustified collective punishment of an entire religious community and violation of the principles of freedom of religion or belief under a new law approved by the Ukrainian Rada on 20 August 2024. The new law now awaits the signature of President Zelensky. We call again on the Ukrainian government to exercise caution in relation to measures that risk violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and undermining social cohesion at this time of national emergency. 

We note the six-step process prescribed by the new law before a religious organisation can be banned, and plead that there be a fair and unbiased approach to any such investigation, and that due consideration be given to the principles of international law, natural justice and due process in undertaking any actions under this new law. Neither the crimes of some individuals, nor the historical affiliations of a particular religious entity, can be a sufficient basis for measures tantamount to collective punishment of a living worshipping religious community in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is responsible for protecting the rights of all its citizens.

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General secretary
World Council of Churches

Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm
Moderator
World Council of Churches