American Catholic leaders announced on Apr. 15 a petition calling for an end to Russia’s religious persecution in occupied areas of Ukraine. The petition was introduced during a two-day scholarly conference in Washington that examined the suppression of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) by Soviet authorities after World War II.
The issue is significant as it highlights ongoing concerns about freedom of religion and human rights violations amid Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The conference, titled “The 1946 Pseudo-Sobor: 80 Years Later — The Persecution Continues,” brought together scholars and church officials to discuss both historical and current challenges faced by the UGCC.
Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of Philadelphia, Father Mark Morozowich from The Catholic University of America, and George Weigel from the Ethics and Public Policy Center led the initiative. “History and the present speak with one voice: the freedom of one is the freedom of all,” said Gudziak, Morozowich, and Weigel.
Newly declassified documents have helped researchers understand Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s plan to eliminate the UGCC, which included arresting five bishops such as Metropolitan Josyf Slipyj ahead of a forced synod intended to merge their church into the Russian Orthodox Church. In a video message at the conference, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk stated that current events show continued repression: “Every time Russia occupies a part of Ukraine’s territory, our Church is banned and destroyed. Our priests, our nuns, and our monasteries are being closed. Our priests are being imprisoned, tortured, or deported.” He added that his presence speaking from Kyiv demonstrates resilience: “The very fact that I am speaking to you today from Kyiv is a strong sign and proof that they did not succeed.”
The petition calls on American Catholics and people of good will as reports indicate nearly 740 houses of worship have been damaged or destroyed since Russia began its war on Ukraine in 2014—escalating further with its full-scale invasion in 2022—and at least 67 clergy members killed across denominations. Two Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests were held for eighteen months before their release mediated by Vatican efforts in June 2024.
In December 2022, Russian officials banned several religious organizations including the UGCC in parts of occupied Zaporizhzhia region along with humanitarian groups like Caritas.
Multiple human rights organizations have classified these actions as genocide against Ukrainians based on documented patterns observed during this conflict.
