WCC News: “We want to do everything possible so that the world will not forget Ukraine”

On 20 April, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, together with Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, and Rev. Prof. Dr Vasile-Octavian Mihoc, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Relations and Faith and Order, met online with representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.  St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 21 April 2026 The purpose of the meeting was to receive updates on the current situation in Ukraine, particularly concerning ecclesial life, and to explore avenues for continued cooperation in promoting peace and solidarity. From the outset, Pillay expressed strong solidarity with the churches and people of Ukraine. He recalled the WCC’s sustained efforts for justice and peace, including previous visits and ongoing initiatives, reaffirming the WCC’s commitment to accompanying Ukrainian churches in their witness and service during this time of war. Current situation in Ukraine Members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with particular attention to its impact on churches and religious communities. The chairman of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, Bishop Sándor Zán Fábián of the Transcarpathian Reformed Church, highlighted ongoing inter-confessional efforts to remain united and resilient. He expressed gratitude for the continued prayers and support provided by churches, international institutions, and partners. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by faith communities, especially in the occupied territories. Solidarity visit The WCC expressed its intention to undertake a solidarity visit to Ukraine in the near future. This proposal was warmly received, and Ukrainian church leaders committed to assisting in any way possible to facilitate such a visit. They emphasized the importance of this gesture as a visible sign of international support and accompaniment for Ukrainian churches and society. July, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, or August were mentioned as possible timeframes. Global Prayer for Peace The WCC presented a proposal to organize a Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine. The initiative was received positively, with participants expressing openness to collaboration and coordination with Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations member churches. Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, Ordinary of Kyiv-Zhytomyr, stressed: “We want to do everything possible so that the world will not forget Ukraine. Prayer is the most powerful way to sustain awareness.” Strengthened collaboration The meeting took place in a constructive and cooperative spirit, marked by a shared commitment to deepening collaboration between the WCC and the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations. Both WCC representatives and Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations members agreed to intensify their channels of communication and to ensure regular updates on the challenges faced by Ukrainian churches. Particular and immediate focus will be placed on the preparation of the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine and the organization of a solidarity visit. In this context, WCC and Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations will engage in further consultations to assess the practical arrangements for such a visit, while continuing close coordination on the Global Prayer for Peace initiative. Ongoing communication between WCC and Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations will be maintained to support these efforts and ensure sustained cooperation. WCC gravely concerned over report regarding crimes against Ukrainian children (WCC news release, 20 March 2026) Ukrainian churches hold National Day of Prayer for just peace (WCC news release, 24 February 2026) Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) Participants of the online meeting between the World Council of Churches and the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, 20 April 2026. Photo: WCC 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 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland