Letter of Solidarity from the World Community of Reformed Churches in Support of the Political Prisoner Uladzimir Matskevich

Hannover, 28th October 2021

Dear Natallia Vasilevich, Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Partners in the Communion of Christ, Greetings from the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the Collegial General Secretariat in Hannover.

On behalf of the Collegial General Secretariat, we wish to first and foremost state that we identify with you and extend our support and solidarity to our member churches in Belarus and in most particular to Uladzimir Matskevich, Aksana Shelest and Ulad Vialichka who have been in detention for exercising their fundamental human right to freedom of religion, association and free speech.

As an organization called to communion and committed to justice, we preach full and just participation for all so that the whole of God’s creation might live life in its fullness. We therefore condemn entirely the unjust incarceration of these men. We join our voices with other well-meaning voices to ask the Belarusian government for their immediate release. We also use this opportunity to remind the government to treat opposition voices with respect and dignity. Opposition voices serve as the conscience to those in positions of power. We urge the government therefore to recognize and respect the fundamental rights of Belarusian people and accord each person the respect and dignity they deserve not minding whether they are in opposition or not. The sole aim of every government should be to advance the peace and wellbeing of the people entrusted into their care. We urge the government to follow the part of justice, rule of law, internationally recognized standards of human rights and good governance and equally recognize the full rights of those in opposition to a fair hearing and just participation.

We use this opportunity also to encourage our partner churches in Belarus and to Uladzimir Matskevich to be courageous and steadfast in the midst of trials and tribulations and of course with the knowledge and assurance of our continued support and solidarity that you will overcome this challenge.

We plead with you to stay in touch with us and always inform us about the situation in Belarus especially the progress report and outcome of this particular matter.

Yours truly,
Rev. Dr. Hanns Lessing
Acting General Secretary
For and on behalf of the Collegial General Secretariat