“Trump’s spiritual advisor”: I was invited to Kyiv to debunk religious fake news
Pastor Mark Burns said he was invited to Ukraine by the Chief Rabbi to meet with religious leaders and refute false claims about the country.
American pastor Mark Burns – referred to by Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi Moshe Asman as “Trump’s spiritual advisor” – told Ukrinform that he was invited to Ukraine to debunk alleged “fakes” about the country in the religious sphere.
According to Burns, Rabbi Asman called him and asked him to come. He said the only stated purpose of the visit was to meet “with some religious leaders.”
“They (Ukrainian clergy – Ukrinform) spoke about enjoying genuine religious freedom and said they were living proof that no one is preventing them from practicing their faith. There were Jews, Baptists, Orthodox, Muslims – different in theology but united as people of faith,” Burns stated.
He did not mention that no representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) – currently facing extensive state persecution – were admitted to the meeting.
Burns claimed he reported the outcomes of his visit to former President Trump. “You could see the impact of my trip,” he said, noting that he sent Trump photos from Bucha and Irpin, where he was taken on a tour by representatives of the President’s Office.
He said he had met with U.S. senators opposed to aid for Ukraine and tried to persuade them to change their stance. Burns later met with Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, whom he praised for “doing a great job.”
Burns added that the U.S. should “arm Ukraine to the teeth and supply more systems,” and assured that he is doing everything possible to push for further sanctions against Russia.
As previously reported, after meeting with Yermak, “Trump’s spiritual advisor” declared that claims of Church persecution in Ukraine were “fake news.”
