 | The Church and the Rise of Nationalism in Russia by Ruth Kramer Mission Network News |
“'The ceasefire that never was” could be describing a lot of situations around the world, but this one is between Eastern Ukraine and Russia. "Although an accord went into effect in September, there have been continued skirmishes, cross-border troop movements, and a mounting casualty toll. Talks are scheduled to take place this week between military representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the rebels to discuss a new peace deal in the Donetsk region. There is a December 5 ceasefire in place, in principle, but acts of war continue.
"This war is no longer in the daily headlines, but it grinds on: out of sight, out of mind. Now, there’s another dimension to it. Canada’s ambassador for religious freedom, Andrew Bennett, accuses Russian of using intimidation tactics in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. These tactics seem to be focusing on religious groups. Slavic Gospel Association VP of Ministry Operations Eric Mock agrees, but not for the reason you might think. He explains, “We’ve seen a ‘circling of the wagons’ for that which is Russian Orthodox, and that which is Russian–which are one and the same. Therefore, anything outside of that is not good.”
"There have been reports of persecution, too. But is what’s happening due to Communism, or is it due to a rise in nationalism?
“'As Russia begins to move forward, that which is counter to that, which in Crimea would be your Ukrainian Orthodoxy, your Ukrainian Baptists, and even other Muslim groups are seen as counter to the good of Russian progress and the Russian people...'”
"This war is no longer in the daily headlines, but it grinds on: out of sight, out of mind. Now, there’s another dimension to it. Canada’s ambassador for religious freedom, Andrew Bennett, accuses Russian of using intimidation tactics in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. These tactics seem to be focusing on religious groups. Slavic Gospel Association VP of Ministry Operations Eric Mock agrees, but not for the reason you might think. He explains, “We’ve seen a ‘circling of the wagons’ for that which is Russian Orthodox, and that which is Russian–which are one and the same. Therefore, anything outside of that is not good.”
"There have been reports of persecution, too. But is what’s happening due to Communism, or is it due to a rise in nationalism?
“'As Russia begins to move forward, that which is counter to that, which in Crimea would be your Ukrainian Orthodoxy, your Ukrainian Baptists, and even other Muslim groups are seen as counter to the good of Russian progress and the Russian people...'”
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