Renovabis provides 250,000 euros to Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church for church reform initiatives

Renovabis, the Catholic Eastern European Agency, has committed 250,000 euros to the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church for the next three years. The funding is aimed at fostering sustainable structures and social entrepreneurship within the church. This initiative was announced by Renovabis in Freising, emphasizing the need for a church that is spiritually clear, socially credible, institutionally stable, and open to new paths.

Thomas Schwartz, the CEO of Renovabis, addressed the bishops, urging a shift in mindset from merely addressing immediate financial deficits to building structures that will endure for decades. He emphasized the importance of long-term planning and sustainability, encouraging the church to focus on creating lasting impact rather than short-term solutions.

The agency highlighted existing projects as examples of successful initiatives, such as the medical center of St. Luke in Ivano-Frankivsk and an agricultural establishment of the Erzeparche in Ternopil. These projects demonstrate the potential for the church to engage in meaningful social and economic activities that benefit the community.

Schwartz also pointed to a new generation of church staff, including priests with innovative ideas and the necessary skills to implement sustainable practices. Renovabis aims to support this transformation by establishing a pool for change management and training these individuals in new competencies.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church’s role in society. By promoting social entrepreneurship and sustainable development, Renovabis seeks to empower the church to be a competent partner on an equal footing with other institutions. This approach aligns with the biblical principle of Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)