The law aimed at banning activities of the UOC comes into force

Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: UOC

On September 23, the law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Activities of Religious Organizations" came into force. It was passed by the Verkhovna Rada on August 20, and signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on August 24.

A corresponding note appeared on the website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The document is now numbered 3894 – IX. The law is aimed at banning the activities of religious organizations affiliated with the aggressor country. Experts and initiators of the law believe that it will allow for the prohibition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's activities in the country. Several Local Orthodox Churches and public organizations have criticized this legislative initiative.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Pope Francis, commenting on the Ukrainian law that leads to the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, called for "not banning any Christian church directly or indirectly".

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