Día: 11 de diciembre de 2024

El sonido de la perseverancia: Protestantes ucranianos, solidaridad ecuménica y un órgano construido con fragmentos de misiles rusos

Copyright: Amid the ongoing war that has gripped Ukraine for nearly three years, a remarkable gathering of religious leaders, scholars, and church representatives took place on November 28, 2024, at the Ukrainian Catholic University’s Institute of Ecumenical Studies. The seminar, titled “Ukrainian Protestants and Ecumenical Cooperation,” provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the growing involvement of Ukrainian Protestants in both public life and ecumenical dialogue during these trying times. One of the key speakers was Hanns Lessing, the executive secretary for Communion and Theology of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), who shared his insights on Ukraine’s current state and the role Protestant communities can play in the global ecumenical movement. Lessing’s visit to Ukraine came at a time when the country’s ongoing war with Russia is deeply affecting every aspect of life. Upon his arrival, he immediately felt the weight of the conflict. "If you visit Ukraine, you realize very quickly that this is a country at war," he said. Lessing recalled the moment he entered the country by train, observing that most of his fellow passengers were women and children, as men remain behind to fight. "You see soldiers at every corner, and many of them are disabled veterans. It’s not one or two, but at least one soldier at every corner," he noted. The atmosphere in cities like Lviv is marked by the constant reminder of the war—bombed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and a relentless sense of unease brought on by Russian bombings targeting vital infrastructure. However, what struck Lessing most was not just the obvious signs of war, but the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He shared a powerful story from Lviv’s central train station, where a church organ, damaged in a bombing, had been rebuilt and now serves as a symbol of defiance and hope. "Every afternoon, there is an organ concert in the station hall. It’s a powerful experience of life amid destruction," he reflected. This, he said, is a testament to how the people of Ukraine continue to live fully and contribute to their society despite the devastation around them. The seminar, which brought together a diverse range of speakers, turned its attention to the role of Ukrainian Protestants in the global ecumenical movement. Lessing, who has been a part of the WCRC’s ecumenical efforts for many years, spoke about Ukraine’s complex religious history, marked by centuries of imperial influence and divisions within the Orthodox Church. "Ukraine has been shaped by empires—Polish, Austrian-Hungarian, Russian—and this has created a deeply layered religious landscape," Lessing said. Protestantism, which arrived relatively late to Ukraine, is now predominantly represented by Baptist, evangelical, and Pentecostal communities. "Historically, these congregations were isolated from wider society, especially during Soviet rule, but now they are finding ways to engage," he explained. The seminar sought to address how Ukrainian Protestants can navigate the delicate balance between maintaining their theological identity and participating in the broader ecumenical movement. Lessing pointed out that as the war continues, the country’s Protestant communities are becoming more involved in public life, adding their voice to the larger conversations about national identity and unity. "The Ukrainian Protestant churches are in a unique position to actively witness and contribute to the fellowship of religions and churches in Ukraine," he said, emphasizing that the current crisis has forced many to reconsider their role in society. Lessing also shared how the WCRC is looking to support Ukrainian Protestants during these difficult times. He highlighted the theme for the next WCRC General Council, which will be held in Chiang Mai: "perseverance in witness." "In the face of war, it is the perseverance of communities that sustains them," Lessing said. "For many churches, including those in Ukraine, this theme is especially relevant. We learn so much from their perseverance, and we need to offer them solidarity." He referred to the biblical passage from Hebrews 12:1, which speaks of a "cloud of witnesses" who support each other during times of trial. "This image is vital for us in the ecumenical movement right now," he added. Solidarity, in fact, was a key takeaway from Lessing’s visit. He spoke about the ongoing support efforts from the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia, which has made frequent solidarity visits to Ukrainian Protestants. "This is something we need to continue, not only for our member churches but for the wider body of churches in Ukraine," he noted. In conclusion, Lessing praised the ecumenical approach taken by the UCU Institute of Ecumenical Studies, which organized the seminar, and expressed gratitude for the efforts to foster dialogue among Ukraine’s Protestant communities. "This is a time of crisis, but it is also a time for the church to come together," Lessing said. "We, as Protestants and as part of the WCRC, are thankful for the initiative to bring churches together, to find common ground, and to work for peace." The seminar not only highlighted the role of Ukrainian Protestants in the country’s current crisis but also underscored the importance of global solidarity within the ecumenical movement. Through their resilience and faith, Ukrainian Protestants are contributing to a broader understanding of Christian witness in the face of war and suffering, offering valuable lessons for the global church community.

En medio de la guerra que asola Ucrania desde hace casi tres años, el 28 de noviembre de 2024 tuvo lugar en el Instituto de Estudios Ecuménicos de la Universidad Católica Ucraniana una extraordinaria reunión de líderes religiosos, académicos y representantes de las iglesias. El seminario, titulado «Los protestantes ucranianos y la cooperación ecuménica », […]