Diversity of Shades of Silence: Russian Evangelicals during the War in Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract This article analyses the range of positions among Evangelicals in the context of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The “silence” characterizes evidence of the evangelicals’ strategies that had long been developed in the context of continued marginalization of religious minorities by the Russian authorities, with the state’s determination to create a loyal contingent of religious leaders. Some of the Evangelical leaders who were close to the centres of power were caught in a so-called trap of patriotism and have been compelled to demonstrate their support and solidarity to officials. However, public silence is far from heterogeneous and has many shades and nuances. This article analyses the anti-war statements of Evangelical leaders and shadow communication strategies in different evangelical communities. Particular attention is paid to a “guide” who suggested that Evangelical Christians-Baptists in Russia should take a consistent position, based on theological and political arguments, in Russia’s war against Ukraine.