Appeal to the Evangelical Churches of Ukraine

January 20, 2014

Resolution passed at the “Maydan and the Church" Round Table  

Appeal to the Evangelical Churches of Ukraine

In this crucial moment for Ukraine we, the participants of the round table “Maidan and the Church: Mission and Social Responsibility of Christians” held in Kyiv, Ukraine on 17 January 2014, appeal to the leaders of Evangelical churches, fellowships, denominations, ministries, and organizations, as well as to church members – to take all possible measures to stand for truth, peace and justice in Ukraine.

Regardless of political preferences we call on our brothers and sisters all over the country to more actively participate in the life of Ukrainian society and demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility. First of all, we should all be more fervent in prayer: “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Tim. 2:1-4, 8). Secondly, as “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, 20, 26), we have to provide practical help to the victims of violence, following the example of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) and our Lord Jesus Christ, in the context of the recent repressions against the Maydan activists, threats to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the adoption of anti-constitutional laws on January 16, and terror and the ongoing use of force against protestors since January 19, 2014.

The Church wisely avoided taking a political stand on the Association Agreement with the European Union. However, after the bloodshed at Maydan on November 30, 2013 there was no way the Church could keep silent. Recognizing their moral responsibility before God and society, Christians have to condemn violence against civilians, publicly declare it a crime, expose the perpetrators, and help the victims.

The Maydan Independence Square in Kyiv, as well as smaller maydan demonstrations in city squares all across the country, are the place for the people to pursue their legitimate right to demand from the government a respect for their freedom, dignity and rights, as well as to require the officials to fulfill their obligations for the common good, and not abuse the power given to them by the Ukrainian people. The Church has to lend its authoritative word along with the voice of the people, declaring that they are created by God in His image and likeness, that all people are equal before God, that God’s judgment is real, as well as God’s care for the helpless.

We draw the attention of the government and protesters to God’s commandments, love and forgiveness, without which the demand for equity may end in chaos and violence. Therefore we encourage everyone to do their best to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Each person will give a personal account for his or her actions both on earth and in heaven.

We declare that the government’s attempts to isolate the Ukrainian Evangelical believers from the European and international community of Christians are unacceptable.

We confirm that the main task of the Church at this time is to be “salt” and “light” to our society. This means that the Church has to expose sin in all its forms and manifestations directly without any compromise, call the officials and civil society to repentance, show people the true way of salvation in Jesus Christ, help victims in every possible way, and give hope.

We believe that, by the mercy of God, prayers, and the labor of Christians, the events taking place on Maydan will bring forth the spiritual awakening and renewal of the Ukrainian nation.