Ukrainian and Polish Evangelical Churches urge against renewed hostilities over historical disputes

The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches in Ukraine and the Evangelical Alliance in Poland issued a joint statement amid tensions regarding differing interpretations of complex chapters in Ukrainian-Polish history. Church leaders from both countries are urging Christians to reject hate speech and collective blame and to seek paths to truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation, according to Slovo pro Slovo.

On September 28, 2026, members of the two evangelical associations issued a joint statement, highlighting a key biblical reference from Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The churches are calling on people not to assign guilt to entire nations. Ukrainian and Polish evangelical leaders recognize that the histories of both nations include examples of mutual support and sacrifice, as well as tragedies that have left deep wounds.

The authors of the statement honored the memory of innocent victims and expressed sympathy for those who have suffered and experienced loss. They underscored that perspectives on historical events and national narratives may differ. They believe that responsibility for crimes should not be attributed to entire nations, and that disputes over the past should not lead to hatred, conflict between churches, or deteriorating relations between Ukrainians and Poles. (Quelle: Katholische Presseagentur Kathpress, www.kathpress.at)