SUNY Fredonia Prof Examines Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Sunday, April 3, 2022

Dr. John Staples

​Jamestown, N.Y. – All are invited to hear SUNY Fredonia Professor of Russian and Soviet History Dr. John Staples speak in person on Sunday, April 3.

Staples’s message at the 10:30 a.m. hybrid service of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown (UUCJ)  is “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Pretexts and Contexts.” He will examine several common explanations for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and suggest that the main cause is the survival of Russian imperialist attitudes and policies.

Included in the service will be a video of the beloved Ukrainian hymn “Prayer for Ukraine.”

While Staples says in some ways his presentation relates to all of the seven Principles Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote, it most relates to:

-  Justice, equity and compassion in human relations

-  The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large

-  The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

Born and raised in British Columbia, Canadian Staples received his MA and BA from the University of Alberta and his PhD in Russian and Soviet history from the University of Toronto. He has taught at SUNY Fredonia since 2001. His work focuses on the history of Mennonites in tsarist Russia and what their story tells us about Russian imperialism. To conduct his research he has spent time in the cities, towns, and villages of southern Ukraine, often in places that are now either occupied or besieged by Russian troops.

A social time follows the service.

While not mandated, vaccines, masks, and appropriate distancing are encouraged for those who participate in the service in person. 

Participation can be either in person at 1255 Prendergast Avenue in Jamestown or online. To join virtually, use the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.

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