Ukrainian Adventure

The World Student Christian Federation invited me to do a series of talks on campaigning around issues of Religious Freedom. The talks were during a conference on Religious liberty in the city of Lviv in Western Ukraine. How could I resist? I had never been so far 'east' before - certainly not into the former Soviet Union.

I had some time restraints, so was forced to do some dreaded flying at first - arriving in Budapest, the HQ of the European of the WSCF. It was great to see old friends Szilvi and Eva, and hang out in the newest places of excitement in Pest! Then it was an overnight train from Keleti Station all the way to Lviv, travelling with Matthew and Rachael (British and U.S.) I knew Mat from the U.K. and Rachael was a smiley WSCF worker - they were both wonderful company.

I awoke at 5am to watch the stunning Ukrainian countryside whizz by - I could see why it was called the breadbasket of Europe, hilly and beautifully cultivated. Earlier we passed the amazing valleys of the Carpathian mountains. It has left me with the urge to explore further when time allows!

Our Ukrainian hosts took us to a great restaurant, and I fell in love with the Borst! The beetroot soup was served with almost every meal and was delicious!

The conference was a spanking new part of the Greek Catholic University - a concept I am still confused by, they are loyal to the Pope - but have orthodox teachings, and the priests get married!

The conference itself was a chance for East European Christians to share about their experiences of their rights to freely express their faith. In many countries their is a dominant tradition, and other denominations are accepted to a greater or lesser extant. In some countries their is great animosity to Muslims or Jews.

The worst case is Belarus, where the state prefers the Russian Orthodox Church as the natural and patriotic church - all others are heretics, so are barely tolerated, and in some cases are persecuted. the Protestant traditions are held in contempt. All religious meetings (including prayer meetings in a house) must be authorised. If not the sentences are severe. I was with a lovely young man - Andrei, who had just spent 7 months in a cell for organising a non authorised Christian event.

The situation is astonishing, but I suspect few people in the West know of the abuses of the last dictatorship in Europe.

I learnt so much, and enjoyed the openness of many of the delegates. I must work out how best to share all this new information with people who might be able to do something! But first stop is to link up with the Belorussians in Bradford!