WCC news: WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials

An ecumenical delegation led by the World Council of Churches (WCC) met with representatives from the Ukrainian government, including deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, and head of the State Religious Service Viktor Yelensky. Photo: Oleg Gavrysh 17 July 2026 Kovalska acknowledged the importance of the solidarity visit and the role of WCC in walking with communities toward an end to the war.  She expressed gratitude to the WCC leadership for their ongoing work and support for decades in the field of unity, peace, reconciliation, and justice.  WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed appreciation for a frank and open conversation with government representatives on a variety of topics, including the current situation in Ukraine under the challenges of the war, peace initiatives, freedom of religion, state and church relations, political instability, and perceived corruption. “The WCC will continue to speak against war and plead for dialogues for peace,” he said. “Violence does not bring solutions but only pain, trauma, and suffering on innocent people."  Moderator of the WCC central committee Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm said it was moving to hear from the president’s office about the daily struggles of the Ukrainian people with the continuous threat.  “Children cannot learn as they deserve to because they constantly have to seek shelter against Russian attacks,” he said. “I also take with me the decisiveness with which Ukraine will continue to defend their sovereignty by providing the necessary means to resist the Russian aggression through the next winter and beyond.” Bedford-Strohm also reflected on the clear assurance by Yelensky that none of the churches in Ukraine, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, will be impeded in their religious freedom. “I am grateful for an open exchange in which we as WCC made very clear that we firmly stand at the side of the Ukrainian people in resisting the invasion,” he said. Photo: Marianne Ejdersten/WCC Kovalska informed the WCC delegation that no signs indicate Russia's readiness for peace, and emphasized that the issue of territorial concessions from Ukraine is not being considered in any format. She also spoke about the consequences of massive Russian air attacks and the challenges facing Ukraine on the eve of winter. Yelensky focused on the uniqueness of Ukraine's religious landscape. In particular, he drew attention to the fact that Ukrainian society stands out among others for the existence of religious pluralism: "Religious diversity is not the same as religious pluralism. Religious pluralism must be built,” he said. “And our churches have done a lot to turn the existing religious diversity in Ukraine into effective religious pluralism.” At the same time, Yelensky focused on the crimes committed by Russia against religious freedom in Ukraine and in its temporarily occupied territories. He said that, as a result of Russian attacks, more than 800 church buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and more than 80 clergy members have been killed.  Discussions also focused on the provisions and implementation of the law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Field of Religious Organizations.”  In this context, Yelensky emphasized that for all 35 years since the restoration of Ukraine's independence, no religious organization has been banned in the state. He particularly drew attention to the fact that this legislative initiative concerns only the Russian Orthodox Church, which has declared war against Ukraine as sacred and calls for the destruction of Ukrainian culture, statehood, and identity. The delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Photo gallery WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) 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

WCC news: In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested”

Hundreds of religious officials, diplomats, and representatives from Ukraine gathered in Kiev for a ceremonial reception on 16 July commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay addresses the ceremonial reception commemorating the 30th anniversary of UCCRO. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 17 July 2026 Those gathered expressed gratitude for the hope churches are bringing, and lamentation for a war that has caused so much suffering.  Words of welcome were offered by Metropolitan Epiphaniy, chair of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, as well as a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Parliament. World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, who led an ecumenical delegation to Ukraine from 14-17 July, extended warmest congratulations to the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.  “Your unity has enabled you to speak credibly, to serve generously, and to sustain hope when hope itself has been tested,” he said. “In Ukraine, churches and religious communities have shown that diversity need not weaken society; it can become a source of wisdom, resilience, and hope.” Pillay reflected that, for 30 years, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations has helped strengthen the moral foundation of Ukrainian society. “You have defended freedom of religion and belief, contributed to public life, supported communities, cared for the vulnerable, and offered a common moral voice during moments of both hope and profound trial,” he said. “Your service of togetherness has shown that religious communities are active participants in shaping a society grounded in human dignity and solidarity.” Yet the special anniversary was celebrated under the shadow of a devastating war that has brought immense suffering to Ukraine and its people.  “Lives have been lost, families have been separated, cities and villages have been destroyed, and countless people continue to bear the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds of violence,” said Pillay. “Since the outbreak of the war, the World Council of Churches has stood with you in prayer, in advocacy, and in action.” The WCC has continuously called on Russia to end its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.  “Countless times, we have made it clear that war is incompatible with God’s very nature and with God’s will for humanity,” said Pillay. “It stands against our fundamental Christian and ecumenical principles.” Representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary, also extended greetings and expressed gratitude.  “This war has brought death and destruction to your country, and you have been forced to endure it for more than four years,” he said. “We are with you and Ukraine in our prayers and thoughts continuously.” Fischbach offered prayers for a righteous and just peace in God’s eyes. “This makes the unity and collaboration of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations all the more a sign of resilience, perseverance, and hope, not only for Ukraine, but also beyond its borders,” he said. “For 30 years, you have stood together as religious communities, striving to achieve the best outcomes for your country, your society, and your faiths and religions.” The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations represents more than 90% of all religious organisations and communities in Ukraine.  The visiting delegation included: Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member; H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionias and Philadelphia, Church of Greece, WCC central committee member and WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs commissioner; Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Photo gallery WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary, addresses the ceremonial reception commemorating the 30th anniversary of UCCRO. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 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

RNS Morning Report - US Jews face a Democratic Party rethinking support for Israel

American Jews face a Democratic Party rethinking unconditional Israel support A growing number of Democrats, and a growing number of American Jews, no longer want the U.S. to issue Israel a blank check, RNS National Reporter Yonat Shimron reports. Almost half of Democrats in the House of Representatives voted Wednesday (July 15) to cut all $3.3 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Israel from a foreign affairs spending bill. Ian Lustick, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pennsylvania and a consultant to past administrations on Israel, likened the result of the vote to a balloon popping. “There’s a principle in physics and politics of constrained volatility,” Lustick said. “If there’s a tremendous amount of discontent that’s constrained over time because people are afraid or prevented from expressing it, it comes out explosively and fast, and that’s what happened.”         Top Stories American Jews face a Democratic Party rethinking unconditional Israel support (RNS) — A growing number of Democrats, and a growing number of American Jews, no longer want the U.S. to issue Israel a blank check. Proposed Muslim cemetery splits Southern California residents (RNS) — Supporters of the Crescent Gardens Cemetery, a dedicated Muslim burial site, say they need the graves. But some residents cite concerns about groundwater contamination. Appeal renews legal fight over Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church pastor (RNS) — Plaintiffs filed a brief July 9 requesting that the election of the Rev. Kevin R. Johnson as the church's senior pastor be set aside so a new election can be held, in an attempt to appeal a 2025 court decision. Opinion More about Jesus, less about coffee: Seven LDS Church trends, according to data (RNS) — Are temples and adoring the prophet replacing the family and the Word of Wisdom as the most salient Mormon identity markers? Why ‘kapo’ should never be used as a political insult against other Jews (RNS) — To use a word soaked in the blood and suffering of our martyrs and then to Velcro it onto a living Jew, whose worst crime is disagreeing with you, is not argument. It is moral violence. ICYMI Orthodox Jewish groups oppose daylight saving bill, argue it would disrupt prayer (RNS) — Orthodox Jewish organizations say the bill, if passed, would force morning prayer services to start after 9 a.m. in some parts of the country, making observant Jews late for work and school. After mall stabbing, Utah faith leaders warn against anti-Muslim rhetoric (RNS) — The stabbing reflects growing concerns about anti-Muslim hate, said Imam Shuaib Din, who leads the Utah Islamic Center. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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UM News Digest - July 17, 2026

UM News Digest - July 17, 2026 On the road with Adam Hamilton | Starting a pet ministry | 25 years of ‘Open Doors’ “As a person of faith, I carry my faith with me. I’m going to do that as somebody who happens to be a United Methodist pastor, and I hope that’s a witness for United Methodists, too, to say, ‘Hey, there’s one of our people up there.’” — The Rev. Adam Hamilton, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Kansas. The Rev. Adam Hamilton (right), a United Methodist pastor and candidate for the U.S. Senate from Kansas, chats with a volunteer June 1 at the Wesley House in Pittsburg, Kan. Photo courtesy of the Hamilton campaign. On the road with the Rev. Adam Hamilton in Kansas  WELLINGTON, Kan. (UM News) — A United Methodist pastor is seeking to become the first Democrat to be elected to the U.S. Senate from Kansas in nearly a century. The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist church in the U.S., is traveling the state and raising what is shaping up to be a record amount of donations to support his efforts. Jim Patterson spent a few days with Hamilton on the campaign trail. Read story The Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder offers a blessing to Julia Sugarbaker, a mini goldendoodle, at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News. How churches can adopt their own pet ministries  LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UM News) — Could a pet ministry help your church reach new people? Two United Methodist leaders have written a book to share practical ideas from their more than 20 years of experience creating ministries that bring comfort, build community and share God’s love through the human-animal bond. Lilla Marigza reports.  Watch video Global Ministries Supporting Ebola response efforts in Congo  ATLANTA — As the Ebola outbreak continues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief are working with conferences and trusted partners in affected and high-risk regions to strengthen local response efforts. To date, $425,000 in grants have been awarded. While the scale and intensity of outbreaks vary by region, the impact on families, health systems and local economies remains profound. Susan Clark has the story.  Read story New 2026 annual conference reports posted NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2026 annual conference reports. New this week are the Iowa and Wisconsin conferences.  Read reports ADVERTISEMENT UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. When the doors were not yet open  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Twenty-five years ago, The United Methodist Church rolled out a brand promise for the denomination: “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” The Rev. Steve Horswill-Johnston, who led the team at United Methodist Communications that shaped that phrase and the campaign, said despite criticism and debate over the years, the words remain relevant today. “(It) was never intended to be a marketing achievement. It was not a description of who we were. It was a declaration of who we hoped to become. The phrase endured not because we mastered it, but because we never fully did,” he writes. Read commentary ADVERTISEMENT The Advocate Press 2 clergy release books on discipleship  COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Advocate Press, a United Methodist small publishing company, has released two new books by United Methodist clergy: “What Jesus Said: Exploring the Sermon on the Plain,” by the Rev. George H. Donigian, and “Meaningful Moments,” by the Rev. William F. Evans. Read press release Cokesbury  Making the most of vacation Bible school  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Once the snacks are gone and the decorations come down, how can churches build lasting relationships with families whose kids attended vacation Bible school? Cokesbury, the official resource provider of VBS curriculum for The United Methodist Church, offers ideas. Read story Photo by the Rev. M. Scott Hughes, Discipleship Ministries Young people’s gathering energizes connection Read story Photo courtesy of Africa University Conferences team up to raise $1.5M for Africa University dorm Read story Aug. 6 Deaconess and Home Missioner Virtual Discernment Event Aug. 24-27 AI and Church Summit: An Ecumenical Gathering on Artificial Intelligence More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos