On February 27, 2025, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) met in Kyiv with Bishop Jerzy Samets of the Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland. His visit to Ukraine took place at the invitation of Bishop Paul Schwartz of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine. The event was held in the walls of the Lutheran Church of St. Catherine.
Source: UCCRO
Discussion of religious freedom and humanitarian initiatives
Participants of the meeting from the Ukrainian side spoke about the activities of the UCCRO, in particular about interfaith dialogue, the situation with religious freedom in Ukraine and social initiatives of churches during the war. Particular attention was paid to the issue of persecution of religious communities in the temporarily occupied territories.
Ukrainian spiritual leaders also expressed gratitude to Polish churches for their support, humanitarian aid and prayers for Ukraine.
Bishop Jerzy Samiec, in turn, shared the experience of the Ecumenical Council of Poland, the interaction of Protestant communities with the Catholic Church, and the peculiarities of cooperation with Polish state authorities in addressing socially important issues.
Preparing a visit of Ukrainian religious leaders to Poland
One of the topics of discussion was the preparation of the upcoming visit of representatives of the UCCRO to Poland. The parties agreed on organizational issues and possible meetings during this visit, which will help strengthen cooperation between the religious communities of both countries.
Participants of the meeting
The event was attended by representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations:
- All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists,
- The Orthodox Church of Ukraine,
- Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church,
- Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith,
- German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine,
- Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine,
- Religious Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea,
- Institute for Religious Freedom.
The meeting was an important step in strengthening cooperation between the religious communities of Ukraine and Poland, which is extremely important in a difficult time for the country.
