Breaking News: report Details Alleged Targeting of Evangelical Christians in Russian-Occupied Ukraine – Documentarians Reveal Stories of Murder, Torture, and Destruction
[City, State] – [Date] - A new documentary, “A Faith Under Siege,” is shedding light on disturbing allegations of systematic targeting of evangelical Christians by Russian forces in Ukraine. Filmmakers report witnessing firsthand evidence of persecution, including claims of murder, torture, and the destruction of christian heritage sites amidst the ongoing conflict.
Documentarian joel Barrett, speaking to CBN News, explained his involvement began after a friend invited him to visit Ukraine. Initially hesitant due to family commitments and the dangers of war, Barrett ultimately felt “called to go over there to do a humanitarian aid mission and then also to document what was happening to Christians in the Russian-occupied territories.” His team traveled to the front lines, conducting interviews with over 30 individuals who directly experienced the conflict.
While the filmmakers spoke with Christians from various denominations, their investigation focused on evangelical Christians, who Barrett states have been disproportionately targeted. The report alleges at least 47 religious leaders have died, with claims substantiated by interviews suggesting Russian soldiers have engaged in the killing and torture of Christian leaders.
The situation is further elaborate by the rhetoric emanating from the russian Orthodox Church, which, according to Barrett, has “declared this a Holy War against Ukraine and the West, including America,” even claiming that “If a Russian soldier dies on the battlefield in Ukraine, all his sins will be forgiven.”
Barrett suggests the independent nature of evangelical churches in Ukraine – lacking a centralized controlling structure – makes them a particular target for Russian forces. “Not being able to control faith groups is not something that the invading Russian forces are very excited about,” he stated. “Faith is a super disruptive concept for control, and…the more that faith can be erased, the more that territory can be controlled.”
The documentary aims to provide Christians with firsthand accounts of the suffering endured by their Ukrainian counterparts, cutting through “so much political stuff and propaganda on all these different sides.” Barrett hopes this facts will empower Christians to “make the right decisions in terms of praying, and supporting, and helping in whatever way they feel called to.”
“A Faith Under Siege” is currently available for streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rFI77hudcA.
Listeners can also hear more on the latest episode of “Quick Start” here: https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?p=CCBNC3640195386
