Ukrainian Christian groups face violent crackdown from Russian forces
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Russian forces have been targeting Ukrainian Christian groups, including evangelical congregations and Protestant churches, in the occupied parts of Ukraine. Churches have been shut down, pastors have been threatened and tortured, and believers have been forced to flee. At least 206 evangelical churches have been expropriated or destroyed. The Russian forces see Protestant churches as representing American influence and frequently accuse them of being agents of the American government. The persecution of religious groups in Ukraine is not new, as religious leaders were targeted during Stalin's Red Terror campaign in the 1930s. The wave of religious persecution has forced many evangelists to flee the occupied territory, while those who remain have to worship in secret. The article includes testimonies from pastors and footage of Russian soldiers shutting down worship services and searching church buildings.

#Ukraine #Russia #Christianity #ReligiousPersecution #OccupiedTerritory

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/ukrainian-christian-groups-face-violent-crackdown-from-russian-forces