WCC NEWS: Diaconal work in Europe is shaped by response to humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

The future of diaconal work in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine and aftermath of the war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was discussed this week at the meeting organized by Interdiac, the International Academy for Diakonia and Social Action, Central and Eastern Europe in Český Těšín, Czech Republic. The Vama Siret border crossing connecting northeast Romania with Ukraine. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, more than 5 million Ukrainians have left the country fleeing the war, and more than 800,000 refugees have crossed the border into Romania. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 28 April 2022 The meeting took place in the context of the immense and long-term diaconal needs in Ukraine, where addressing trauma, bereavement, injuries (both physical and mental), loss of homes, loss of livelihoods, healing of memories and all the human cost of war will take many years to address. Irrespective of the political situation, the human cost of war is of major importance to the churches and this must be reflected in the diaconal response to human need, noted Rev. Matthew Ross, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme executive for Diakonia and Capacity Building, who took part in the Interdiac strategic planning meeting and conference aimed to develop diaconal work in the region.  “I commend Interdiac for the innovative and important work that they are doing in diaconal learning and research. Even though fighting continues in Ukraine, there is a need to plan for a long-term diaconal response,” said Ross. “Diaconal organisations such as Hungarian Interchurch Aid, AidRom and others have done and continue to do a superb job in helping refugees fleeing Ukraine,” noted Ross, adding that the long-term planning will require great care, sensitivity and consideration for human need in response to this humanitarian catastrophe, including in addressing trauma and loss.  Terrible human cost of warfare “We are stressing the idea of Interdiac as a learning community, reading the signs of the times and responding to contemporary challenges,” explained Janka Adameova, director of Interdiac. “Dealing with instability and fragility is at the heart of the Christian experience, particularly in addressing the situations in Armenia and Ukraine as well as other parts of Eastern Europe. The value of building a response with our partner organisations is of great importance to us, including the WCC, in responding the diaconal needs of people in the region.” The Czech town of Český Těšín – where Interdiac has its offices – is located on the border with Poland, right next to the Polish town of Cieszyn. Since the start of the Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, more than 5 million Ukrainians have left the country fleeing the war. Three million Ukrainian refugees are being hosted in neighbouring Poland, and more than 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have been received in the Czech Republic. In case of prolonged conflict in Ukraine, it is estimated that this number could reach 500,000, or about 5% of the total population of the country. Learn more about Interdiac WCC member churches in the Czech Republic See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland