From November 16 to 18, the general conference of the state's Baptist churches, which includes approximately 5,500 churches, was held in Abilene, Texas. Valerii Antoniuk, the president of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists, along with his deputy, Ihor Bandura, participated in the conference.
This was reported by the ECB press service.
The agreement has been signed between Ukrainian and Texas churches, marking a significant development in their collaboration. The signing followed extensive preparations, including meetings between the leadership of both associations and visits by American ministers to Ukraine, as well as consultations in the US during 2024-2025.
The agreement aims to foster partnerships between individual churches in Ukraine and the US. Its goals include strengthening ties, launching joint projects and educational programs, and supporting missionary, chaplaincy, and humanitarian ministries.
As a first practical step, 50 Texas churches will be added to the “church-to-church” format. Senior Pastor Brent Gentzel of First Baptist Church of Kaufman noted that when the idea of partnership was proposed, his church expressed immediate support.