Imprisoned for Their Faith: Reflections on the 1974 Sentencing of Unification Missionaries in Czechoslovakia
On October 24, HJI held a webinar in special remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the 1974 imprisonment of Unification missionaries in Czechoslovakia. Three representatives of this courageous group of Unificationists, who answered the call to serve God’s Providence in Eastern Europe, shared their reflections on their mission work and eventual imprisonment– Dr. Juraj Ladja, President of Universal Peace Federation Czech Republic and current student of the HJI MA in Peace Studies, Mrs. Erika Lajdova, Former President of Women’s Federation for World Peace Czech Republic, and Dr. Anton Uhnak, Global Vice President of Sun Moon University and Global Consultant of World Peace Road Foundation.
Dr. Thomas Walsh, President of HJI, emphasized that these missionaries are “models of faithfulness and steadfast attendance,” and acknowledged the challenging circumstances of being imprisoned for their faith during the era of the Soviet Union.
Dr. Thomas Ward, HJI Professor of Peace and Development, provided context on the history of the Unification Church and the fight against communism. He shared powerful stories of Unification members who tragically lost their lives following the late 1960s.
Dr. Juraj Ladja was imprisoned from 1973-76. He highlighted that 1968-1989 was a very unique time for the Unification movement to send missionaries to Czechoslovakia. “It is a story that testifies to the incredible faith, hope and determination of young people who were searching for the meaning of life and at the same time had the ideals to change society for the better. […] Their faith and conviction, but also their determination were so great that totalitarianism seemed like an insignificant obstacle compared to the ideals for which they lived.”
Mrs. Erika Lajdova was imprisoned for 8 months in 1974. During her moving reflection she shared that “God really lived with us behind the Iron Curtain. He was walking around us in our country at the time, looking for His people.”
Dr. Anton Uhnak was imprisoned from 1973-77. For him, the Divine Principle gave him hope which carried him through his difficulties: “When I read the Divine Principle, I could see that the Heavenly Kingdom is possible.” He shared about his time in prison from a theological perspective.
Watch the Recording to hear firsthand about the course of these brave missionaries and their important role in extending God’s message to those living under totalitarianism.