Today there was an interview on the CBC in
which a photographer in the Ukraine described religious leaders in the streets
of Kiev, pouring holy water on the protesters.
Christians have too often been associated with defending the status quo
and aligning themselves with powerful constituencies. But the church has never been of one mind. Christians in Eastern Europe, in the
Philippines, in Central America have also aligned themselves with those
struggling to confront unjust regimes and move the world in a better
direction. They see this as being
faithful to a God who is found among the powerless.
The interim president in the Ukraine,
Oleksandr Turchynov, is a Baptist preacher.
In the Ukraine, Baptists are a tiny minority, 135,000 out of 45 million. Most of the pro-democracy protestors are
Ukrainian-speaking Catholics says Olga Rudenko of Religion News Services.
The new president is reputed to be a great
organizer but not so good relating to people.
In this time of political chaos can he represent his people? Can his skills make a difference? What kind of spiritual leadership can he
offer?
Our hopes and prayers are with our sisters
and brothers.
Peter
