By Benedict Mayaki, SJ
A WCC statement said that the delegation, led by the acting general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, visited the besieged country from 1-5 August, “to listen to the representatives of local churches, as well as state institutions working with religious issues, and to ensure the participation of Ukraine’s churches at the upcoming WCC assembly” taking place from 31 August – 8 September, in Karlsruhe, Germany.
“When one part of the body suffers, all parts suffer with it. We are in Christian solidarity with all those who suffer in Ukraine,” said Sauca, reiterating the 18 June WCC central committee statement.During the visit, the WCC delegation met with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations which represents Christian denominations in Ukraine, as well as Jewish and Muslim Communities. It also serves as a platform for dialogue and relations with the state.
The following day, - 4 August – Sauca met with the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onuphry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.