386. What the Media Isn’t Telling You about Ukraine | Frontline Reporting with Chris Herlinger

In this episode of The Daily Helping, Dr. Richard Shuster sits down with award-winning journalist and international correspondent Chris Herlinger, who shares powerful stories of his humanitarian reporting, particularly from his recent coverage of Ukraine. Chris, a correspondent for Global Sisters Report and a long-time journalist on humanitarian efforts, discusses his new book, Solidarity and Mercy, which sheds light on the resilience and dignity of those caught in conflict, especially through the work of Catholic sisters in war zones.

From covering global conflicts to witnessing the faith-based efforts of religious communities, Chris brings a unique perspective to how humanitarian workers are affirming the dignity and humanity of those in need. Whether you're religious or not, the conversation is deeply moving, exploring not only the struggles of war but also the small, compassionate acts that restore hope.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

The war in Ukraine is a great tragedy. I mean any war is tragic, I think, but certainly this is particularly tragic because I don't think it was at all necessary and not justified. You know, this is an imperialist land grab on the part of Russia. I think something that Russia has been committed to is to sort of reimpose a Russian reality on Ukraine. The Ukrainians are very, very nationalistic. They're very patriotic. It's just a tragedy all around. 

And yet, and yet in the midst of this tragedy, there's been a global, this of course was more at the beginning of the war than it is right now, but there was a global response that I think was remarkable and helped Ukrainians get to safer places. And I think that kind of global commitment is not only necessary, but I think it says something very, very good about humanity and what humanity can do. I think the work of the sisters and the work of the church continues, and the church, whatever you may feel about organized religion, whatever you may feel about the Catholic church in particular– the Catholic Church is in the world, and in Ukraine, of course, it's a minority church. The Orthodox Church is the predominant church in Ukraine, but the Catholic Church is rooted throughout the world. I think the Catholic Church does help and affirm the dignity of people in these awful situations. I think that that's a remarkable story. 

And as I said earlier, it goes back to thousands of years rooted in the gospel. I think that thread that binds the current day to the past and to the gospel story is really fascinating and moving and a beautiful thing,

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Resources:

• Read “Solidarity and Mercy: The Power of Christian Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine”
• Learn more at the Global Sisters Report
• Read "Witnessing in a war zone: Stories of Christian humanitarians in Ukraine"

Produced by NOVA Media