Ministry of Social Policy to Establish Public Council for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Organizations

Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych held a meeting with representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO).

The key objective was to discuss the need for joint efforts between the state and religious organizations to support those most in need – families with children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and others.

During the meeting, the Minister presented the main areas of the Ministry's work – in particular, she spoke about social services funded by the state budget to support various population groups. These services can also be provided by non-governmental organizations with relevant teams of specialists.

"We are building a social support system centered around people and their needs. In turn, social ministry is one of the most important tasks for religious organizations and communities. By joining forces, we can provide quality and timely support to those facing difficulties," noted Oksana Zholnovych.

Meeting participants discussed the idea of establishing a Public Council for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Organizations under the Ministry of Social Policy – to facilitate closer collaboration.

"Social ministry is an integral part of the service of various churches, which is why cooperation between AUCCRO and the Ministry is important and natural for denominations," emphasized AUCCRO Chairman, Head of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, Bishop Valeriy Antonyuk, in his speech.

The parties stressed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue between government and religious community representatives in the social sphere and outlined priority steps for its development.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ministers Volodymyr Vasylenko and Anatoliy Komirny, State Secretary Natalia Neniuchenko, Head of the National Social Service of Ukraine Vasyl Lutsyk, Deputy Head of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Ukraine Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytsky, Senior Bishop of the Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Anatoliy Kozachok, Head of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church Bishop Marcos Ohanesian, Supreme Mufti of Crimea Aider Rustamov, and authorized representatives of: OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine); UGCC (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church); UUCCASD (Ukrainian Union of Churches of Christian Adventists of the Seventh Day); DUMU (Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine); UCCEC (Ukrainian Christian Evangelical Church); UEC (Union of Evangelical Churches); ULC (Ukrainian Lutheran Church); NELCU (New Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ukraine); OIROU (Organization of Independent Islamic Religious Organizations of Ukraine); UBT (Union of Baptist Churches of Ukraine); IRS (Islamic Religious Society).