Wall Street Journal: Russia Tries to Erase Evangelical Churches From Occupied Ukraine

Before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine was one of the most religiously free countries in all of Europe.

"Religion has long been central to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s campaign to halt Ukraine’s westward drift and bring it under his sway. His army is now using violent methods to roll back religious freedoms in occupied areas while bolstering the one faith that openly backs his invasion: the Russian Orthodox Church." - Matthew Luxmoore, "Russia Tries to Erase Evangelical Churches From Occupied Ukraine"

Russia's invasion of Ukraine intends to wipe out all aspects of Ukrainian freedom, including the freedom to practice religion. Although Ukraine is a religiously free country, Russia has been torturing Christians throughout the war. Evangelical churches have been targeted as the Kremlin attempts to control the people living in occupied territories.

"Religious analysts and evangelical pastors say the crackdown is part of Moscow’s broader push to assert dominance over every aspect of life in occupied areas." - Matthew Luxmoore, "Russia Tries to Erase Evangelical Churches From Occupied Ukraine"

This Sunday, we ask you to reflect on the blessing of religious freedom. Although ACHF is not a religious organization, we are thankful for freedom of religion and spaces to safely participate with faithful communities. Unfortunately, our brothers and sisters in Ukraine can not say the same.

We encourage you to read this article to learn more.