Poroshenko signs a decree on the celebration of 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Ukraine

President Petro Poroshenko has supported an initiative of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and signed a decree "On the celebration of 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Ukraine", reports UNIAN.

According to the press service of the President, the signing of the decree took place during a meeting of Poroshenko with the heads of the Ukrainian and international Protestant organizations, who gathered in Kiev for the Second Missionary Forum of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.

Poroshenko, in particular, noted the importance of the decree, which is "to demonstrate the position of the authorities to support the Protestant religious organizations." "We want to show that our relationship between the state and the church have a fundamental difference from Russia’s. The difference can be seen in the Crimea and the Donbass, where "Russian world" came on the Russian bayonets. The whole world sees a total violation of human rights there," he said.

Commenting on the visit of the international delegation of leaders of the Protestant association, the president said: "The Ukrainians demonstrate unity, bringing together people of different views, different religions, different nationalities, who come together around the ideas of freedom and democracy."

Poroshenko noted the importance of implementing chaplain activities in the Armed Forces of Ukraine of all denominations and urged those present to actively join in this process, including the exchange of international experience of pastoral work in the army. Also, according to the president, the Protestant religious organizations could become an important component of both spiritual and social support not only of the military men at the front, but also of the wounded and the families of the victims.

The Head of State thanked the Protestant organizations for their support of Ukraine: "I clearly understand the role played by the Protestant churches and religious organizations in the development of religious, cultural and social development of Ukraine and really appreciate it."

In turn, President of the Baptist World Alliance Paul Msiza thanked Ukraine for its support and wished the people of Ukraine peace, stability and prosperity. "We are here today to show solidarity with the Ukrainians. Our hearts are broken by human tragedies. We pray for you, and for peace and prosperity in Ukraine," he said.

At the same time General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation Anthony Peck called a "unique phenomenon" the existence in Ukraine of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches, which brings together different religious groups. He also noted that "Ukraine is mentioned constantly in our prayers."

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