Ukraine: Appeal of the UCCRO regarding the U.S. Congress bill “Countering Russia’s War on Faith”

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), which includes Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical churches, as well as Jewish and Muslim religious associations, welcomes the bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, “Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act.”

This bill proposes the establishment of a mechanism to monitor the actions of the Russian Federation aimed at persecuting, suppressing, and violating the religious freedom of faith communities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as the imposition of sanctions against individuals involved in such criminal acts.

A statement by the Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA – Article 18 Alliance), released in February 2026, notes, among other things, that at least 80 Ukrainian clergy members from various denominations have been killed by Russian occupiers, while more than 200 other clergy members have endured abduction, torture, and unlawful detention. It also states that more than 800 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of Russian aerial and artillery strikes. Dozens of religious sites in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine have been desecrated by the occupiers, who have used them as administrative buildings, ammunition depots, and firing positions. In addition, Ukrainian ministers from various churches remain imprisoned after being unlawfully arrested or sentenced by the Russian authorities.

UCCRO expresses its gratitude to U.S. members of Congress from both the Republican and Democratic parties — Joe Wilson, Steve Cohen, Brian Fitzpatrick, Marcy Kaptur, Don Bacon, and Mike Quigley — for this legislative initiative aimed at protecting religious freedom.

Ukrainian churches and religious organizations appeal to both chambers of the U.S. Congress — the House of Representatives and the Senate — and ask them to pass the “Countering Russia’s War on Faith Act.”

The adoption of this legislative act will help strengthen freedom of religion and belief and ensure accountability for those responsible for crimes against Ukrainian religious communities and believers.

Taking this opportunity, UCCRO expresses its gratitude to the American people, American churches and ministries, and the U.S. Congress and Government for supporting Ukraine in its struggle for independence.

May God bless America!

May God bless Ukraine!

Kyiv, April 29, 2026 (Quelle: www.vrciro.org.ua, 29. April 2026)