Viatrovych: Those rejecting the Ukrainian church must leave the country
MP of Ukraine Volodymyr Viatrovych. Photo: ukrinform.ua
Volodymyr Viatrovych, MP from the European Solidarity faction, said that those who reject the existence of the Ukrainian church (meaning the OCU) should leave Ukraine or be held accountable under the law. The politician said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
Arguments that repressions against the UOC violate the law on freedom of religion are “dangerous” and “harmful,” Viatrovych noted.
According to him, they can be interpreted as "aiding the enemy."
“In my opinion, if this cannot be stopped, if the activity on the part of the state ends only with good morning photographs of representatives of the SBU against the backdrop of certain churches, perhaps this work will move into some kind of underground format, more cautious,” he said.
As reported by the UOJ, Viatrovych expressed dissatisfaction with the government bill to ban the UOC, where its connection with the Russian Federation should be confirmed by an expert examination.
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.