American politician addresses Ukrainian judges ahead of UOC hearing

Ben Dixon, J. D. Vance, and Catherine Whiteford. Photo: nv.ua

On September 29, 2025, American politician and leader of the youth wing of the U.S. Republican Party Catherine Whiteford, on the eve of the court hearing concerning the ban of the Kyiv Metropolis, appealed to Ukrainian judges with a call not to become an instrument of political repression.

In her address, Catherine Whiteford recalled the statement of U.S. President Donald Trump, who on September 23 at the UN General Assembly declared that “we must defend free speech and religious liberty, especially for persecuted Christians.”

Affirming Trump’s words, Whiteford noted that Christians are persecuted not only by hostile regimes but also by Ukraine, an ally of America.

“The government passed a law which punishes people not for crimes, but simply for their faith and fidelity to Christ. Tomorrow, on September 30, 2025, a Kyiv court will decide whether or not to ban and legally dismantle the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the faith of millions.”

The leader of the Republican youth wing believes that if this is carried out, then “millions of Ukrainians will lose their churches, their monasteries, even the right to pray in their homes.”

“Clergy are already being targeted, some even forced to the front lines, where some have been killed. This is state-sponsored persecution, pure and simple,” Whiteford continued.

She also said, “While the Orthodox Church also suffers persecution in countries like Moldova, Estonia, and Syria, today I must focus on Ukraine, because this decision is immediate, and its consequences are grave.”

Whiteford appealed “directly to these Ukrainian judges, those called to uphold justice: do not be pressured into being a tool of political repression.”

“Defend the law, not tyranny. And let officials know this: America and the world are watching, accountability is coming,” the politician emphasized.

She reminded that the Church has endured centuries of persecution: “It will stand, it will endure, and it will prevail, for the gates of hell shall not overcome it.”

“May the Lord protect the faithful of His Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” Whiteford said in conclusion.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that seven UN experts had sent a letter to the Ukrainian authorities demanding clarification of their actions regarding the UOC.

Read also