If bill No 4128 is adopted, Christians will fight with each other at knives, – Bishop Jan Sobilo

There is a risk of religious war in the event the draft law on introducing amendments to the law “On Freedom of Conscience” is adopted. It was declared by Bishop of Kharkov-Zaporozhe Diocese of the RCC Jan Sobilo in the air program Radio Maria.

According to the hierarch, this is a provocative bill that will allow one confession to seize the property of others.

"Let's imagine a small church of Catholics in the East of Ukraine. Let's imagine that many Orthodox people will start coming to the parish, and then they will decide that the rite does not suit them, they will over-vote, and then what? The property of the Roman Catholic Church by law should be transferred to the Orthodox," said the Bishop.

"It will be very unfair, because a small community or parish will have to leave. A religious war may begin. Christians will go on each other with knives!" he stressed.

"This is a provocative law. Return to the 30-ies of the last century. This is the end of freedom of conscience in Ukraine, "concluded Jan Sobilo.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Kharkov-Zaporozhe diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, Stanislav Shirokradyuk, severely criticized the bill of Viktor Yelensky and pointed out that it was profitable solely for the Kyiv Patriarchate.

"It is written in black and white here that everything is being done so that the Kiev Patriarchate can take parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate to their homes. A corrupt scheme is being created, so that the parishes freely move to the Kyiv Patriarchate," Shirokradyuk said.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.