Europe would not simply sanction a private individual who supports Putin in the war, but the most important figure of the Russian Orthodox Church itself. Is that what we want?

The European Union is proposing sanctions against the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church for inciting the war against Ukraine. Tatiana Kopaleishvili of the European Evangelical Alliance sees sufficient grounds to respond to the theological justification of an unjust war.

Many Middle Eastern countries recognize the existing, historic Christian communities but deny non-Christian citizens the right to espouse the Christian faith – and they actively persecute those who do.

“We are not against sanctions but for human rights”, says the World Evangelical Alliance representative at the UN Human Rights Council.

Sergei Ryakhovsky is accused of “publicly supporting and justifying the Russian war”. 21 leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church are also sanctioned.

Despite the negative report of the General Council of the Judiciary, there are hardly any changes. The change of sex may be made without restrictions or prior reports.

Some countries, especially in Africa, depend on Ukrainian grain. Urgent measures need to be taken to avoid the catastrophic consequences of the war in Europe.

Our relationships with those who impose sanctions and those who suffer sanctions must be shaped not by our respective authorities but by the will and calling of our Savior.

The WEA organised a virtual event to evaluate the impact of unilateral sanctions on churches and aid organizations worldwide and gives recommendations on how to overcome it.