Dynamics and Growth Prospects of the Protestant Denominations in Ukraine

Abstract

The intensity and nature of changes in Protestant communities in Ukraine is analyzed on the basis of broad empirical material (statistics, sociological surveys). The confessional specificity of the spread of Protestant communities in the Ukrainian territories is revealed, as well as their dynamics, geographical conditionality, and more. Changes in institutional, socio-political, cultural, and educational spheres of life of Protestant churches in modern Ukraine are recorded. Social legalization, the legal recognition of these movements as the churches and religious organizations equal to other traditional churches, as well as dynamism of Protestantism in evangelical and missionary sphere and public life, have contributed to the formation of a new type of confessional institutionalization and contributed to the outreach of Protestant communities to the public space. Protestant communities find it necessary to initiate moral responsibility of citizens before society, to encourage people to unite in various non-governmental organizations (charitable, medical, legal, educational, creative, etc.); they are focused on charitable goals. However, it is important to understand that the Protestant milieu in Ukraine is not homogeneous. It differs in character and has its own internal problems, among which is a confrontation between conservative Baptists, socially active Evangelical Christians and Pentecostals, and new Protestant movements, especially neo-charismatic. There are also a number of problems related to the occupation of the Crimea and the war in the East of Ukraine. Such problems are caused by the infringement of the rights of Protestant denominations by the occupation authorities. In general, the Protestant communities try to give priority to civil society, equality and impartiality of the structure of Ukrainian society and are in solidarity with the principles of the Constitution of Ukraine. In situations of social upheaval, Protestant communities as part of inter-religious and inter-denominational associations demonstrate a willingness to take on the role of a mediator in fostering dialogue between the parties.