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Freedom of religion is not a political tool, but a fundamental human right. The following joint statement by churches of various Christian traditions is addressed to the international community. It draws attention to specific cases of pressure, persecution and interference in church life — and calls for protection, dialogue and accountability. Below is a statement from the Christian Interconfessional Consultative Committee (CICC): Statement by the Churches participating in the HMCK We, representatives of the Churches participating in the Christian Interconfessional Consultative Committee, the largest inter-Christian association in the Eurasian region, express our concern over the continuing persecution and violations of the rights of Christians in a number of countries. As disciples of Christ, we bear witness that the calling of Christian churches throughout the ages has been expressed in service to peace and love. Attempts to use religion for political ends inevitably lead to division and mutual hostility, which contradicts the very essence of Christian teaching. We have always spoken out in defence of the rights of believers and churches in different countries: the rights of Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Evangelical Christians, Baptists, Evangelicals, and Adventists. Today, we are particularly pained by what is happening in Ukraine, Moldova, Estonia, Armenia, and other countries, where clergy and ordinary believers are being persecuted and their freedom of conscience restricted. In Ukraine, the practice of state pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the aim of its liquidation and complete destruction continues, accompanied by seizures of churches, discriminatory laws and persecution of clergy and laity. In Armenia, unprecedented pressure is being exerted on the Armenian Apostolic Church, with arrests of hierarchs and attempts to interfere in internal church affairs on political grounds. In Estonia, concern has been raised over the adoption of a law on churches and parishes that affects the internal life of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church, as well as the expulsion of Metropolitan Eugene of Tallinn and All Estonia, which violates the principles of religious freedom. In Moldova, administrative and judicial measures against the Orthodox Church of Moldova are intensifying: court cases are underway to deprive it of its previously returned property, cases are being brought against clergy and laypeople defending their churches, and there is talk of a complete ban on the Church. All this threatens further division and destabilisation of Moldovan society. Expressing solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are subjected to persecution and slander, we pray for peace and freedom of religion for all people of good will, remembering the Saviour’s commandment to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). We call on the international community to pay attention to what is happening and to promote the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of conscience. May the Lord strengthen His disciples who are enduring sorrow and trials, and may He establish Christ’s love, peace, and justice in all countries! The statement was signed by: 1. Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Co-Chairman of the HMC; 2. O. Yu. Goncharov, First Vice-President of the Euro-Asia Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, Co-Chair of the HMC; 3. Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan, head of the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church; 4. Metropolitan Eugene of Tallinn and All Estonia, Primate of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church; 5. Archbishop Vladimir Provorov, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia; 6. S. V. Ryakhovsky, presiding bishop of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals); 7. P. V. Mitskevich, Chairman of the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists; 8. E. A. Grabovenko, presiding bishop of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith; 9. Bishop Ivan Laptev, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria; 10. Bishop Saman Odisha, representative of the Assyrian Church of the East in Russia; 11. L. V. Kartavenko, Chairman of the All-Union Fellowship of Evangelical Christians.

By: David Soares – Federal DeputyEvery day, as Christians, we guide our lives by biblical principles. They shape our decisions, strengthen our families, and direct our relationships with others. However, living our faith to the fullest is not limited to the home environment or inside churches. The Christian faith is alive, public, and transformative — and it must also reach society. It is important to emphasise that no one goes to church to engage in politics. People go to seek God, strengthen their faith, and experience fellowship. Although the mission of the church is spiritual, this does not negate the role of members as active citizens in society. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and respect the limits and diverse lines of political thought, while maintaining mutual respect.Bringing God’s principles into public life is not an imposition, but an opportunity. Defending life, family, truth, and justice is part of our Christian witness. And this witness must be manifested, in a responsible and conscious manner, also in the spaces where decisions are made and laws are constructed. 2026: a year of political choices Weare living in decisive times. In an election year, we are called to exercise not only a right, but a civic and patriotic duty: to choose who will represent us in the various spheres of power. Voting cannot be treated lightly. It requires reflection, prayer, and spiritual discernment.As Christians, we need to go beyond ready-made speeches and empty promises. It is necessary to evaluate character, consistency, and commitment. We need to ask ourselves sincerely: does this person defend the family? Does he or she protect life from conception? Does he or she respect the Christian faith and religious freedom? Or is he or she only approaching evangelicals for electoral convenience? Omission is also a choiceThe fact is that politics does not always arouse interest. It is often tiring, conflictual, and even discouraging. But years of the Church’s distancing itself from these debates have opened the door to ideologies and projects that today directly attack biblical values, weaken families, and attempt to silence the Christian faith in the public sphere. The absence of the Church cannot be confused with neutrality. It has consequences. Lack of commitment facilitates the approval of agendas that conflict with what we preach daily from our pulpits and live out in our homes. Faith that manifests itself in the public sphereIn decisive times like these, the call is clear: the evangelical Church must continue to be salt and light — including in public life. Participating in politics, voting conscientiously, and defending Christian values is not ideological activism. It is consistency with the faith we profess and a commitment to the future of Brazil.

An interview conducted by Sandra Bünger, journalist and Vice-President of WAVe, with President Waldemar Herdt. First Corinthians 13:4–8.“Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not behave rudely, it does not seek its own, it is not provoked, it does not take into account a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

In August 2025, WAVe – the World Alliance for Traditional Values and Freedom of Belief – was launched. What began as a vision back then has developed into an impressive network for peace, respect and cultural diversity in just a few months. In December 2025, WAVe reached a significant milestone: its first major recognition by the Assemblee, a global organisation dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy and international understanding. This recognition is no coincidence, but rather an expression of what we stand for and what we work towards: building bridges instead of deepening divides. WAVe is more than just a name. Our mission is to highlight the common denominator of humanity in a world marked by uncertainty and division. Dignity, cultural identity, peace and freedom of belief – these values are our compass. We defend the dignity of every human being, celebrate cultural diversity, promote genuine dialogue and stand for unrestricted freedom of belief – beyond political boundaries and ideological barriers. In recent months, we have seen how these values move people: in encounters, in conversations and on international stages. The recognition by the Assembly in December was a moment of acknowledgement and, at the same time, a starting signal – a sign that our work is being noticed globally and is having an impact. But we are not resting on our laurels after this initial success. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for 2026. Together with personalities, peacemakers, cultural figures and decision-makers from all over the world, we are building a global network of ambassadors for peace. These personalities will be featured on the WAVe platform World of Belief, where their voices, ideas and impulses will be given a global stage to promote dialogue and understanding. Another major step will be an international conference in 2026. There, we want to do more than just debate; we want to forge genuine partnerships, launch joint initiatives and identify concrete ways to move from conflict to sustainable peace. We are working hard to ensure that peace does not remain just a nice word, but becomes daily practice – supported by the combined forces of all continents. What began as a delicate flame in August 2025 is now growing into a clear signal of hope. With courage, solidarity and an unshakeable belief in the good in people, we continue on our path – step by step, heart to heart, world to world. “Strive for peace with everyone.”(Hebrews 12:14) We wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and a healthy, peaceful 2026! Waldemar Herdt – President, Sandra Bünger – Vice-President and all founders of WAVe International

Ein gemeinsames Zeichen für Frieden, Verständigung und Zusammenarbeit Mit großer Freude verkünden wir, dass die WAVe – World Alliance for Values & Freedom of Belief ein Memorandum of Understanding mit der World Assemblee unterzeichnet hat. Diese Übereinkunft ist mehr als ein formeller Schritt. Sie ist Ausdruck eines gemeinsamen Verständnisses davon, dass Frieden, Völkerverständigung und kultureller Dialog heute neue Formen brauchen – jenseits von Konfrontation, jenseits von ideologischen Grenzen, getragen von Respekt und echter Begegnung. Die World Assemblee ist eine internationale Plattform der Volksdiplomatie, die Vertreter aus rund 150 Ländern zusammenführt. Ihr Wirken konzentriert sich auf Frieden, kulturellen Austausch, Verständigung zwischen Völkern sowie die Förderung von Jugend und zivilgesellschaftlichem Engagement. Dabei schafft die Assemblee Räume, in denen Menschen aus unterschiedlichen Kulturen, Hintergründen und Weltanschauungen miteinander ins Gespräch kommen – nicht als Gegner, sondern als Partner im Dialog. Das unterzeichnete Memorandum bedeutet eine gegenseitige Anerkennung, eine inhaltliche Übereinkunft sowie die Grundlage für mögliche gemeinsame Projekte in den Bereichen Frieden, Kultur, Jugendförderung und internationale Zusammenarbeit. Es eröffnet neue Wege der Kooperation und des Austauschs – offen, verbindend und zukunftsorientiert. Für WAVe ist diese Partnerschaft ein bedeutender Schritt: Sie verankert unsere Arbeit in einem größeren internationalen Netzwerk und stärkt unsere Möglichkeiten, Werte, Meinungs- und Glaubensfreiheit sowie gesellschaftlichen Dialog über Ländergrenzen hinweg wirksam einzubringen. Gleichzeitig bleibt WAVe eigenständig in Haltung und Auftrag – als aktiver Teil eines globalen Geflechts, das auf Zusammenarbeit statt Abgrenzung setzt. Wir danken der World Assemblee für das entgegengebrachte Vertrauen und freuen uns auf eine gemeinsame Wegstrecke, die von Menschlichkeit, Respekt und dem festen Willen geprägt ist, Brücken zu bauen – zwischen Kulturen, Generationen und Nationen.

While headlines are dominated by armament, sanctions, and mutual threats, a Russian representative calls for something that sounds almost old-fashioned in today’s world: prayer. Not as a political gesture – but as a human response to a time when reason and compassion easily drown. The WAVe network shares this impulse. For peace does not first arise in negotiating rooms, but within the human heart. Every thought, every word, every prayer has an effect. Whoever chooses peace in their heart thereby changes a piece of the world – even if they believe they are „only“ praying. In these days, when the powerful of this earth speak once again about weapons, borders, and interests, we need a movement of the silent. People who do not let themselves be drawn into the whirlpool of opinions, headlines, and outrage, but consciously pause. Who listen inward, instead of loudly condemning. Who reflect before they react. And who understand that peace can only grow where love does not exclude. Regardless of religion, nation, or conviction – prayer is the common language of the soul. It is the moment when we recognize that despite all our differences, we are connected. „Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.“ (Matthew 5:9) Let us – each in our own place, in our own way – become these peacemakers. Not through slogans, but through awareness. Not through weapons, but through heart. Waldemar Herdt President WAVe A current call from Russia reminds us that true peace does not arise through power, but through prayer and awareness.Thank you, Mr. Dmitry Kuznetsov, we join you. Let us pray.to the article: https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2025/10/23/27016112.shtml

As a co-organizer of the World Public Assembly in Moscow, WAVe looks back with great pride on a remarkable event for peace.The dedication of President Waldemar Herdt laid the foundation for a strong and steadily growing partnership. Together with Vice President Sandra Bünger, he brought the spirit of WAVe – unity, faith, and shared responsibility – to life through inspiring speeches.Under the theme “New World of Conscious Unity,” the World Public Assembly sent a clear global message for peace and awakening.WAVe’s close cooperation and participation in this historic gathering mark the beginning of a new era of dialogue and international understanding.Its presence symbolizes the growing role of independent communities of values that foster orientation and genuine human connection.

Personal Reflections by Sandra Bünger Moscow left a deep impression on me.I arrived in the evening – the city glowing with countless lights, the Hotel National standing proudly across from the Kremlin. It felt like stepping into a painting filled with history and presence. In the lobby, I met the first delegates. There was excitement everywhere – curiosity, anticipation, a sense of renewal.And yes, I also felt a certain tension. I wondered how we, as Europeans, would be received in these times. Yet stronger than any doubt was my desire for peace, genuine dialogue, and encounters from heart to heart. That hope stayed with me from the very first moment. Encounters That Stay One conversation touched me deeply – a talk about God, near the church by the Kremlin on a warm evening after the event.It wasn’t planned; it felt like a quiet invitation to open my heart even more to God as a loving Father. A moment that still resonates within me. Another unforgettable experience was a night boat ride on the Moskva River – the reflections of the city lights shimmering on the water, and within me, a calm certainty that peace is possible.And then there was that special evening with our delegation: a cozy, rustic tavern, laughter, songs from different countries, and a blend of English, German, Romanian, and Russian words floating through the air. We understood each other – even without perfect translation.Every toast honored someone, and the men stood up for the women. It was a rare kind of respect, simple and sincere. Moments on Stage When I finally stepped onto the stage, my heart was racing. It mattered to me to express myself well in English, even though it isn’t my native language.I wanted to share my perspective on the situation in Germany – why we founded WAVe, what we stand for, and why true dialogue between people is so essential.After my speech, many came up to me, thanking me, smiling, saying kind words. I could feel that the message had reached them. That moment meant a lot to me. Goosebumps and Gratitude Later, when the opening and closing videos produced by our WAVe media team were shown on the big screen before more than 4,000 people, I felt pure goosebumps.Tears filled my eyes. I was proud – of our team, our creators, and of what can happen when people come together with heart, courage, and vision. I felt simply grateful to be part of it all – grateful for the people who made the long journey to Moscow to speak about peace and values.And I am already curious which country will host the next World Assemblee, carrying this movement forward. “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”— 1 John 3:18

United for Peace, Values, and Dialogue We, the WAVe and Friends Delegation, had the honor of participating in the first-ever World Assemblee in Moscow. Two intense and inspiring days filled with encounters, conversations, and a tangible sense of renewal. From morning to evening, delegations from more than 140 countries came together to discuss people’s diplomacy, peace, and the preservation of traditional values—topics that lie at the very heart of our movement. WAVe Voices on the World Stage WAVe was represented on stage by two inspiring voices:Waldemar Herdt, founding member and spokesperson of our organization, joined the conference via live broadcast, speaking about the importance of building bridges between nations.Sandra Bünger, our representative on-site, took part in a panel discussion and later addressed the audience as a speaker alongside four international guests and the moderator. Both emphasized how vital it is to rekindle dialogue between cultures, religions, and generations in order to preserve peace as a shared value. Encounters That Inspire Beyond the stage, it was the personal meetings and exchanges that left the deepest impression. Discussions with representatives from various countries led to initial talks about future cooperation.One particularly promising result was the idea of developing an international documentary film project together with a globally active film producer—capturing WAVe’s core mission of peace, values, and human connection on screen. The creative exchange has already begun and is moving forward dynamically. An Atmosphere of Hope Throughout the event, the atmosphere was uplifting, bright, and deeply inspiring. It was clear that those present shared a genuine desire to take responsibility for shaping a peaceful global future.We were warmly welcomed, officially recognized, and entered into a cooperation agreement with the World Assemblee. Even representatives of state institutions expressed acceptance and appreciation of our work—an important milestone for WAVe’s international recognition. A Moment of Pride A truly emotional highlight was seeing the opening and closing videos of the Assemblee, produced by our WAVe media team, projected on the big screen before more than 4,000 attendees. It was a moment of pride, gratitude, and silent awe—proof of what can be achieved through collaboration, trust, and heartfelt dedication. Gratitude and Outlook We, as the WAVe delegation, are deeply grateful to have been part of this historic first World Assemblee.We have witnessed that there is not only hope—but people who act, connect, and create. A new awareness is emerging: to know our roots, to honor where we come from, and to meet each other at eye level—with love at the center.This is what WAVe stands for.The people, the organizations, the opportunities—they are coming together.Now.

WAVe will participate in the World Public Assembly Summit in September 2025 in Moscow and introduce its program.

A current case in Germany is making headlines. A police special unit mistreats a pastor during raid.

Soon visible in the open, the team and ambassadors are developing the guidelines for a platform of dignity, cultural identity, peace and freedom of belief.