UOC Synod urges Verkhovna Rada MPs not to pass Bill 8371
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: armyinform.com.ua
On April 10, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expressed its position on the draft law No. 8371, the Information and Education Department of the UOC reported.
The Synodals noted that the bill No. 8371 "On Amending Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Activities of Religious Organizations in Ukraine", initiated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, is of particular concern to the faithful.
"Under the pretext of protecting national security, its provisions are aimed not only at closing down the Ukrainian Orthodox Church but also at violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion, guaranteed by the state for its every citizen.," the document reads.
According to the bishops' conviction, the bill is aimed at interference in the internal activities of religious organizations of the UOC.
In this regard, the Holy Synod urged the MPs of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine not to pass this bill.
As reported by the UOJ, the Holy Synod previously stated the violation of the rights of UOC believers.
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.