Faith Under Fire: Religious Freedom and Human Dignity in Occupied Ukraine
Ampleforth College is honoured to welcome Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, human rights lawyer, and one of the world's foremost advocates for justice and freedom, as the guest speaker for the 2026 Autumn Term St Laurence Lecture.
In the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, religious freedom is under unprecedented attack. Ukrainian Greek Catholics, Protestant communities, and Orthodox groups that remain independent of state-approved structures face persecution, torture, arbitrary detention, and the systematic destruction of places of worship. Much of this suffering remains undocumented and unseen by the wider world.
Through a thought-provoking panel discussion and audience Q&A, Oleksandra Matviichuk will explore the realities facing communities whose faith, conscience, and human dignity are being targeted in real time. Drawing on her extensive work documenting war crimes and human rights abuses, she will offer first-hand insight into the struggle for freedom, justice, and human dignity amid conflict.
This timely and important lecture invites us to reflect on fundamental questions of religious liberty, moral courage, and the responsibility of the international community when basic human rights are threatened. This event is open to members of the public and The Ampleforth Society, as well as pupils, parents and staff of Ampleforth College.
Guest Speaker
Oleksandra Matviichuk Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2022)
Oleksandra Matviichuk is a Ukrainian human rights defender and Head of the Centre for Civil Liberties. Her work documenting human rights violations and advocating for accountability has earned international recognition, including the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Centre for Civil Liberties.
The event is free to attend but donations are gratefully accepted to the Ampleforth College Bursary Fund, which supports over 100 children to attend Ampleforth College, including a number of Ukrainian children.
Register here
