Delegation of the CEPCU held an advocacy visit to Washington, D.C.: religious freedom and return of abducted children discussed
On February 26-28, 2025, representatives of the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine (CEPCU) visited Washington, D.C., where they held a series of meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the Department of International Religious Freedom, the Embassy of Ukraine, and other international organizations.
Source: repcu.org
Ihor Bandura, Deputy Head of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, emphasized that religious freedom is an integral part of a democratic Ukraine, but Russian aggression poses a direct threat to this right.
“In the temporarily occupied territories, clergy are being persecuted, churches are being closed and religious buildings are being confiscated. Believers of different denominations are subjected to pressure and restrictions on their activities,” he said.
The ROCU called on American partners to increase international pressure on Russia to facilitate the return of abducted Ukrainian children to their homeland.
“Children are the most vulnerable part of the population in times of war. One of the priorities of the RECCU is to support initiatives for their return,” said Stanislav Nosov, president of the Ukrainian Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Ivan Rusyn, Deputy Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church, noted the high level of solidarity of American partners with Ukraine, who confirmed their readiness to continue to defend religious freedom and support Ukraine.
CEPCU to continue international advocacy
Ukrainian religious leaders emphasized the importance of spreading truthful information about the war and expanding the international coalition in support of Ukraine.
“We cannot talk only about losses and victims – victory is possible and necessary! Stories of resilience and struggle are important for all our partners,” said Anatoliy Kozachok, Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith.
The CEPCU will continue its activities in the international arena to contribute to the achievement of a just and sustainable peace and the protection of religious freedoms in Ukraine.
