Open Letter Regarding Events in Ukraine

If you have been following the protests that have been taking place in Ukraine since November, then I am sure that you were not surprised that the protests have now escalated into violence. Our organization, Russian Ministries, with its international field headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine, cannot ignore this situation. We are deeply concerned by the changes that have turned Ukraine from a nation with unlimited freedoms into a dictatorial state overnight.  These developments have also caused great controversy among the evangelical community in Ukraine, when the older generation is calling for submission to the government, and the younger generation is calling for protests, while looking for theological, political and social solutions to this crisis.  

Dr. Gregory Komendant, a most prominent evangelical leader from Ukraine and former president of the Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists of the former USSR, former president of the Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists of Ukraine, former president of the European Baptist Alliance and vice president of the World Baptist Alliance, who has long played a unifying role between generations, churches, countries, issued this statement:  “The situation In Ukraine is extremely tense. Peace is extremely fragile and the church can and should play a reconciling role on behalf of all Christians of Ukraine. I am calling on the global Christian community for prayer and support at this critical time for our nation." 

Last week a set of sweeping new dictatorial laws was suddenly adopted by the government in Ukraine, which has resulted in even more violence.  In order to create a platform for constructive dialogue of this situation, Russian Ministries recently co-sponsored a roundtable discussion in Kiev for about 150 young Christian pastors and ministry leaders from various denominations who came to discuss how in their evangelical identity, responsibilities, and understanding of the doctrinal position related to this crisis.  

We join these leaders and entire christian community in Ukraine in calling the global Christian community for earnest prayer that God would give wisdom and clear biblical understanding so that he church can become salt and light as well as a refuge and source of God’s reconciling wisdom and comfort at this critical time for Ukraine.

This important issue will also be discussed at the religious freedom briefing and press conference that Russian Ministries is sponsoring on Capitol Hill in Washington, D. C. on February 5 and 6.  Fore more information, please don't hesitate to contact our office at:  630-462-1739or info@russian-ministries.org.


Sincerely,

Sergey Rakhuba