Senior members of the Lutheran World Federation visited Ukraine to express support for the work of the churches there in May. The LWF reported: “We stand in solidarity with the churches and the people of Ukraine: This was the key message of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær and LWF General Secretary Rev Dr Anne Burghardt, as they visited Ukraine this week. ‘Keep proclaiming Christian hope, in words and deeds.’

“Highlights of the program were visits to two congregations of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine (GELCU), one of the newest LWF member churches, and to humanitarian work of the LWF Ukraine country program in Kyiv and Kharkiv. On Sunday May 12, they joined a festive service in St Catherine’s Lutheran church in Kyiv. In Poland and Kyiv the LWF delegation was joined by Morten Dahlin, Danish Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs.”

The visit came as politicians, religious freedom campaigners and lawyers continued to express concern about a proposed ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) over its alleged connections to the Russian Orthodox Church. Supporters argue that the UOC has condemned President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and severed all links with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Robert Amsterdam, an international lawyer acting for the UOC, said: “Despite widespread condemnation, the Ukrainian government clearly wishes to continue its plans to breach international laws on human rights and religious freedom. It is outrageous that they are flouting international protections and all those who might vote for the bill should be ashamed of themselves.”