The diaspora remains and will remain Ukraine’s most active ally

            

My interview to Eddie Priymak

Among the Ukrainian evangelicals, how have churches been involved in events, protests, and rallies to raise awareness for Ukraine? 

I have not met Ukrainians who would remain indifferent. Everyone helps themselves in some way and encourages Americans to help. But the majority do this through personal or family channels, fewer through church, and even fewer express their position in the form of political actions or statements. Ukrainian churches are more active in all forms of participation. Mixed (“Slavic”) churches are limited to charity. But even Ukrainian churches have become more cautious about political involvement. One of the reasons is the “Trump factor.” Evangelicals have greatly compromised themselves by supporting the former president. Some of them will no longer publicly support such a scandalous figure. But they will not support his opponents either. More precisely, they will support both of them on individual issues, but will not become someone else’s party in exchange for support for Ukraine or “traditional values.”

The most popular formats for attracting the public to the side of Ukraine are not political rallies, but festivals of Ukrainian cuisine or music, and, of course, prayer meetings.

Historically, Ukrainian evangelicals have been pacifists. In light of the Russian annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion, evangelicals in Ukraine have slowly been abandoning that position. Do you see this same trend occurring within the United States diaspora? How have different groups changed their views? Is this a divisive issue within the community?

Among Ukrainian evangelical believers living in the United States, pacifists are becoming fewer and fewer every day. The main factor is the influence of American culture, including church and theological culture, not only civil or political. Often in the second generation, pacifist emigrants become American patriotic militarists. But this happens to those who actively and quickly fit into the local context. Those who do not learn the language and lead an isolated lifestyle continue to look back on the Soviet experience. Taken alone, the issue of pacifism rarely causes heated debate or division. But together with the theme of patriotism, political participation, social responsibility, it becomes explosive.

Evangelicals residing in Ukraine have done significant lobbying in the US Congress, which some speculate influenced Speaker Mike Johnson to shift his views on Ukraine and support the Ukrainian aid bill. How has the evangelical diaspora been engaging with government officials to promote Ukraine's cause?

The Ukrainian evangelical diaspora is united around churches. Churches offer spiritual care and support the cultural identity of Ukrainians. When it comes to lobbying for certain political interests, churches cannot afford direct involvement. Therefore, such tasks are carried out by separate groups associated with churches, but not representing churches officially. Sometimes churches are forced to distance themselves from such lobby groups because their real motives are complex and contradictory. Churches view such groups with sympathy, but also with caution.

What is your overall assessment of the diaspora's involvement in helping Ukraine?

The diaspora remains and will remain Ukraine’s most active ally abroad. Volunteer involvement and relief efforts will remain on top of priorities. Church diplomacy and political influence can be more effective if there is more transparency and accountability between political groups and church communities.