Theology of citizenship conference

Головна Блог Theology of citizenship conference

On May 2–3, Sky Loft Hotel in Kyiv hosted a significant event for the theological, academic, and civic communities — the conference “Theology of Citizenship: Church, Identity, and the Future.”

In the midst of war, spiritual tension, and social uncertainty, this gathering became a space for making the Gospel public — exploring how it shapes responsible citizenship, fosters resilience, and opens new horizons for Christian engagement.

The conference was organized by the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS), which continues to serve as a platform for equipping leaders and transforming communities in Ukraine and beyond. Even amid the ongoing war, UETS remains committed to nurturing deep theological reflection that speaks into the heart of current realities.

Prophetic voices in a time of crisis

In times when Ukraine is facing the brutal consequences of full-scale invasion, events like this are not just academic — they are profoundly prophetic. They affirm the Church’s voice in society, offer space for lament and hope, and inspire a theology that is rooted in real life and real suffering.

Keynote speakers included world-renowned theologians:

N. T. Wright – one of the most influential Christian thinkers of our time.
Miroslav Volf – prolific author and professor at Yale University.

Their messages spoke not only to the intellect, but to the heart of the Church in Ukraine, urging a rethinking of its public mission in times of national crisis and deep social wounds.

Dialogue, relevance, and Ukrainian perspectives

Attendees could choose from a rich selection of breakout sessions, addressing urgent and relevant topics led by theologians from across Ukraine:

Resilience of Post-Protestant Communities Under Psychological and Emotional Strain (2024–2025): A Sociological Perspective — Eduard Denysiuk
Conspiracy Theories and Christians: Unanswered Questions? — Yurii Tokovyi
Ukraine, Russia, and the "Clean Hands" Doctrine at the International Court of Justice: Some Theological Reflections — Oleksandr Marusiak
Pax Evangelica est Pax Russica: A Historical-Theological Reflection on Ivan Prokhanov's Missiology — Vladyslav Fediuk
Eschatological Conservatism and the Search for New Social Models in Ukraine — Denys Kondiuk
Jesus and the Kingdom of God: Challenging Empires and Religious Orders — Daniiel Kuchurian
From Inclusion to the Theology of Belonging: Being With and Being Together — Stanislav Stepanchenko

The atmosphere of the conference was filled with honest dialogue, challenging questions, and profound reflections on the role of the Church in difficult times. The conference became a place where the Church engaged with the realities of identity, civic responsibility, and the call to shape a hopeful future.

We believe this gathering is only the beginning of a larger conversation about what it means to be a Church that is not afraid to enter the public square and bear witness to Christ — even in the midst of darkness.