From September 21 to 23, Tokyo (Japan) hosted the international interreligious conference "Searching for Ways of Reconciliation in Times of War", organized by the International Organization "religions for peace". Ukraine is represented by Chairman of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience Bohdan Olena, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the OCU, Archbishop Yevstratiy (Zorya), chairman of the commission on interfaith and interreligious relations of the UGCC Fr Igor Shaban.
According to UGCC Information Department, in his speech, Fr. Igor stressed that the unfair war launched by Russia against peaceful Ukraine has brought thousands of deaths and continues to destroy homes, schools, hospitals and churches.
The world religious community is fully aware of how much Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to cause death and numerous destructions. A separate discussion on the role, understanding and concrete steps towards possible reconciliation was particularly important.
Addressing the conference participants, father Igor stressed the importance of this Christian element for the future but noted that as long as there is Russian aggression and genocide against the Ukrainian people, it is too early to talk about it. Only after the Russians stop killing Ukrainians and the aggressor is condemned will it be possible to start this difficult process of healing wounds.
Background
World Organization "Religions for Peace" is one of the largest interreligious organizations, which has many years of experience in dialogue and operates in more than 90 countries around the world. This time, as always, the organizers tried to create a "safe space" where representatives of different religions from more than 20 countries could gather to discuss, reflect critically and inspire each other.