This week, Berlin hosted a working meeting of the International Group titled “Reconciliation in Europe: The Role of Churches in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and Germany.” The event was attended by the bishop of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ukraine and Fr. Ihor Shaban, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Commission for Interconfessional and Interreligious Relations.
According to the UGCC Department for Information, a meeting was held at the headquarters of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) — specifically at the EKD Council's Permanent Representation to the Federal Government of Germany and the European Union.
Participants at the meeting represented various Christian traditions and countries, all united by a common goal: to foster reconciliation between nations, enhance understanding of the role of churches in addressing historical and contemporary conflicts, and maintain dialogue in the spirit of the Gospel.
During an open panel discussion, Fr. Ihor Shaban spoke on behalf of Ukraine. He described the current situations in Chernobyl and at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing that the war has introduced a new dimension of threat to nuclear safety. He highlighted concerns about the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russian troops, ongoing shelling of its territory, and recent drone attacks in the Chernobyl area. These actions pose significant risks not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe. Fr. Ihor Shaban's remarks sparked a lively discussion about the role of churches in promoting public responsibility in the face of such global threats and blackmail.
The meeting concluded with a joint prayer. Participants agreed to enhance cooperation in dialogue and the preparation of joint initiatives focused on restoring trust, understanding, and peace.