WCC interview: Communicators in Ukraine are “bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion”

Marianne Ejdersten, director of communication for the World Council of Churches (WCC), traveled with a WCC-led delegation to Ukraine for a solidarity visit on 14-17 July. She took time to reflect on the communications operation, on the prophetic voices that touched her heart, and what we can pray for the communicators that remain in Ukraine. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary; and Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 23 July 2026 As you headed up a communications operation from Ukraine, what were the biggest logistical challenges?  Ejdersten: Traveling in war zones is always a major challenge, depending on the location, language barriers, and culture. That’s my experience after more than 25 years of experience with field visits, this time an ecumenical solidarity visit to Ukraine with a delegation of five leaders. Attacks on Kyiv escalated just a week ahead of the visit, but we decided to go despite the increased number of missiles and drones. There were certainly practical challenges in Ukraine as well—moving the delegation safely, working around air raid alerts, adjusting travel plans at short notice, and finding reliable connectivity to monitor all four very much-needed apps for air raid alerts, local maps, shelters, and bomb maps—but what stayed with me most was the responsibility of telling people’s stories with care. Every meeting, every photograph, and every conversation carried a deep sense of responsibility. We wanted to communicate what was happening, but never at the expense of accuracy, dignity, or the safety of those who welcomed us into their lives. It was a constant balance between responding quickly and taking the time to truly listen. It's important to listen with a humble heart, as a guest staying for a short period of time in a violent environment. You realize this is the host's everyday life and reality. I joined the WCC delegation only 14 days in advance, replacing a colleague to coordinate the visit and be in charge of the planning, programme, protocol, security, and coordination with the local host. On top of that, I tried my very best to make the solidarity visit visible with support of colleagues in the WCC, with the Conference of European Churches, and locally in Kyiv. Due to the security with the delegation, we published all the material upon returning to Poland.  In the meantime, we coordinated the internal communication with WhatsApp and Signal. Which prophetic voices in Ukraine most deeply touched your heart? Ejdersten: At the core of the WCC communication is the prophetic voice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and sharing the stories of the "living fellowship" that would otherwise remain unheard. So many voices heard in Kyiv. They were church leaders, pastors, Bossey alumni, volunteers quietly serving others each day, and people who had endured tremendous loss but still spoke about hope, faith, and reconciliation. I was deeply moved by their courage and by their refusal to allow fear or hatred to define them. Their witness reminded me that prophecy is often something that is lived out before it is spoken. WCC communication will return and work on more local and spiritual feature material. From left: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, Conference of European Churches general secretary; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication; and Rev. Karin van den Broeke, WCC central and executive committee member. Photo: Metropolitan Gabriel. What has changed for you about the way you think about the churches and people in Ukraine? Ejdersten: I left Ukraine with heavy heart due to the war, but with a much deeper sense of admiration, respect, and connection. The churches are not standing on the sidelines—they are at the heart of their communities, offering shelter, comfort, practical support, and hope. I was also humbled by the resilience of the people we met. Even in the midst of uncertainty and loss, they welcomed us with generosity, honesty, and trust. They shared their stories with us, and that is something I will never take for granted. It reminded me that our role as communicators is not simply to report events, but to help people recognize one another’s humanity.  What can we pray for church communicators, journalists, and photographers in Ukraine and elsewhere covering war situations who are working every day to tell the truth in the face of great adversity? Ejdersten: Please pray first for their protection. Many of them work under enormous pressure and personal risk while carrying the emotional weight of the stories they tell. Pray that they will have strength for each day, wisdom to communicate with integrity, and moments of rest and renewal when they need them most. Media plays an very important role to serve as the foundational pillar of democracy by providing the public with factual information, serving as a watchdog over those in power, and acting as a public forum for diverse perspectives. And pray that they never lose sight of hope. Their work is about much more than documenting destruction. It is about bearing witness to truth, resilience, compassion, and the quiet acts of faith that continue every day. My prayer is that they will know they are not alone—that the fellowship  stands with them, listens to them, and continues to pray for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Sudan,  and elsewhere around the globe facing violence and wars. A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.  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) WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity” (WCC interview, 17 July 2026) Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine” (WCC interview, 20 July 2026) Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach: In Ukraine, “their suffering is not forgotten” (WCC interview, 21 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 interview: Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach: In Ukraine, “their suffering is not forgotten”

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), was part of a World Council of Churches (WCC)-led delegation that made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July. He took time to reflect on his impressions of the people he met, and on why a solidarity visit can ultimately be an expression of apostolic truth. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 21 July 2026 What do you take with you from the WCC solidarity visit? Rev. Fischbach: I am thankful to WCC that CEC was invited to join the WCC delegation for this solidarity visit. We worked very well together, and it was an example how ecumenical organisations on different geographical levels can act together. I felt ashamed how this solidarity visit was received as a bold, courageous, and true sign of solidarity, because I thought of all Ukrainians experiencing this war and the threats it poses every day for more than four years. But it proved that this kind of visit strengthens the Ukrainian churches and the Ukrainian society because they feel that they are not alone and are part of a wider community. Finally, I take with me the impression that many Ukrainians are tired and traumatised by the war, but that they don’t want to give up and still want to defend their democratic way of life, their society, their country. As part of the pilgrimage, what is the most significant role the churches, CEC, and the global fellowship can play in Ukraine? Rev. Fischbach: The churches, CEC, and the global fellowship can support Ukraine and its churches in continuous prayers for a just and lasting peace. It became again obvious in this visit that the contact with churches outside Ukraine strengthens Ukrainians, that they are not alone, that others walk with them in these difficult and demanding times. Ukraine and the Ukrainian churches are part of Europe and they want to participate in the European integration process as well as being part of the global community. This honest, open and, at times, probing exchange helps Ukraine to better understand this interconnectedness and integration, just as it helps us to grasp Ukraine’s concerns and sense of identity. Ultimately, it also enables us to act as a voice for Ukraine in dealing with other institutions and bodies. Why is this kind of solidarity visit important? Rev. Fischbach: In the end, it is about personal contacts: Our delegation comes back, enriched by the different personal meetings and exchanges we had. It deepened our perception of the situation of Ukraine and the Ukrainian churches. It makes a difference to read the statements of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations (UCCRO) or to sit at a table with all members of UCCRO in Kyiv and to listen their voices, their wisdom, their experiences, and wishes towards us. Several times we were told that this visit encourages and comforts the people, and church and state representatives. In a humble understanding, it is an expression of the apostolic truth that if one member suffers, all suffer together with them. We are not at all suffering as the Ukrainians, but it was well received that we express our solidarity and that their suffering is not forgotten, not one day.  A WCC delegation made a solidarity visit to Ukraine on 14-17 July, walking in hope and praying with churches and communities for an end to the war.  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) WCC delegation meets with Ukrainian government officials (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) H.E. Metropolitan Gabriel: Ukrainian people “a unique example of resilience and unity” (WCC interview, 17 July 2026) Rev. Karin van den Broeke: “The most important thing for now is getting and showing support for Ukraine” (WCC interview, 20 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: 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