Reflecting on three years of war, Ivan Rusyn, president of Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary, says, “War impacts you in the deepest way.”
Rusyn reflects on the challenges of the war and the encouraging way churches have responded in a recent podcast with Canadian Phil Wagler of the Peace and Reconciliation Network.
Rusyn lives in Bucha where atrocities were committed in the early years of the war. Hundreds of civilians – old men, women and children – were killed by the invading soldiers. His experience has shaped his theology and teaching.
He now focuses on the importance of serving “all Ukraine” and not just churchgoers. “All Ukraine is our parish. [The war has] opened the door of our church. We are serving in ways we have never served.” Churches have become hubs of relief and food distribution, and a source for chaplaincy for all Ukrainians – supported in part by donations from other churches around the world.
The result is a different relationship between church and society. Churches are willing to do ministry with all people with all needs. “We don’t just ask people to say the ‘sinner’s prayer,’ but to help [with physical needs] as well.”
Because of the war, Rusyn says, the seminary developed programs like Theology of Citizenship, Being Missionaries in Our Own Society and training for trauma support. He sees the Church becoming a community of healing. “We can do this because we have the same scars. This makes us authentic.”
Listen to the full podcast episode at TheEFC.ca/All-Things.
The World Evangelical Alliance Peace & Reconciliation Network
does its work through the generosity of donors. Connect with the PRN or donate. Invite Canadian director Joel Zantingh of Guelph, Ont., or global director Phil Wagler of Kelowna, B.C., as a speaker. Read more of these blog posts at FaithToday.ca/AllThingsReconciled.