• Українською
  • Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges
    Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 19 October 2023 16:36

    On 19 October, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with heads and representatives of religious organisations that are members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

    Participants discussed the challenges posed by russia’s full-scale aggression and how to counter them.

    “Humanitarian aid, accommodation and support for internally displaced persons, chaplaincy, psychological support, various social projects, advocacy for Ukraine in the international arena – this is not an exhaustive list of areas in which the church, religious organisations and the state act in sync. That is why the Government is aware of the enormous importance of your work and will facilitate it as much as possible,” said Denys Shmyhal.

    The Prime Minister stressed that the state highly appreciated the role of churches and religious institutions in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities. In particular, military chaplains are being professionalised, and the experience they have gained allows them to analyse problems and improve the system of military clergy.

    Participants in the meeting also discussed humanitarian and social assistance to Ukrainians who found themselves abroad as a result of the russian invasion.

    “They need a reliable link with Ukraine. We must do everything to ensure that these people feel their inseparability from Ukraine, return here and join the process of peaceful reconstruction not only after our victory, but also now,” the Prime Minister said.

    Denys Shmyhal stressed the importance of involving churches and religious organisations in the implementation of mental health programmes, which are currently being overseen by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

    “One of the central themes of communication between the Government, churches and religious organisations is to block the enemy’s attempts to use the church and believers to the detriment of Ukraine’s national security. I am convinced that we are all in solidarity here and will act together energetically and effectively” the Prime Minister stressed.

    The Head of Government expressed confidence that today’s meeting would consolidate efforts for victory, strengthening spirituality and a better future for the Ukrainian people and Ukraine.

    Participants in the meeting also observed a minute’s silence in memory of the clergy who died in the exercise of their civic and human duties and all those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom.

    Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges Prime Minister and representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations discuss common wartime challenges