Yelensky: We must stop the use of religion for subversive purposes
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: nfront.org.ua
On 21 December 2022, Viktor Yelenskyy, who was recently appointed the new head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, said that "one of the most important directions is to prevent the manipulation of religion and its use by the enemy as a weapon”, reports lb.ua.
"The use of religion for subversive purposes is a separate story, monographs have been written about it. The enemy can use or try to use anyone, but we have to protect against it," Viktor Yelensky said.
At the same time, according to him, the state should allow religious organizations to express their religious feelings with dignity.
The new head of the DESS admitted that he has not yet figured out how the subordinate institution is organised. "I do not yet know how the service is organised. I know its aims and objectives, but I need to understand who works there. I know people professionally involved in religion, and ethnopolitics, but definitely not all of them. We need to talk about what tasks in the field of freedom of conscience they see as a priority," said Yelensky.
As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Viktor Yelensky for the post of the head of the State Ethnopolitics Committee.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.