Poturaev: There are those in UOC who call for confrontation with the state

MP Mykyta Poturaev. Photo: Ukrinform

Mykyta Poturaev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, spoke about possible provocations during the implementation of the law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Religious Organizations' Activities," aimed at restricting the activities of religious organizations associated with Russia, reports Interfax.

"Today, like my colleagues, I am receiving discouraging signals that, for now, a radical group within the UOC is gaining influence, urging the clergy to confront society and the Ukrainian state, positioning themselves as a 'persecuted church' or a 'church in hiding,'" Poturaev said during a national television marathon.

The committee chairman warned of possible provocations by radical groups aimed at creating conflicts around churches: "They want television footage, photos that can be spread, especially in the West, where they actively promote the false narrative that they are being oppressed," he added.

Poturaev also expressed hope for the pro-Ukrainian faction of the UOC clergy to prevail, which would allow the church to finally sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).

As reported by UOJ, a law aimed at banning the activities of the UOC has come into force.

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