The Ukrainian Church and the Fight against Putin

Resuming Debate with Garnett Genuis

As all eyes are on the situation in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Church is playing an important role, rooted in its long and diverse history. Unlike in Russia, Ukraine’s religious life is characterized by freedom and pluralism, with various Christian denominations and prominent Jewish and Muslim communities. In this dark hour, faith leaders are serving their country in unique ways.

On this week's episode of Resuming Debate, I speak with Fr. Deacon Andrew Bennett. Fr. Deacon Andrew is a Senior Fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) in Washington, DC - an independent think-tank committed to achieving broad acceptance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right. He served as Canada's ambassador for religious freedom and is now an ordained deacon in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in the Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada.

Fr. Deacon Andrew and I discuss the ongoing conflict, the history of Ukraine and of religious belief in Ukraine, the role played by church leaders in the Ukrainian response to the invasion, and the possible implications for religious freedom.