WCC Raises Alarm Over Government Crackdown on Armenian Apostolic Church

YEREVAN — The World Council of Churches (WCC) has voiced its concern over recent events in Armenia involving the Armenian Apostolic Church, a pillar of the nation’s spiritual, cultural, and historical identity.

"The World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose historic witness and enduring role have long contributed to the spiritual life and resilience of the Armenian nation and the global Christian fellowship," it said in a statement.

The WCC highlighted “reported law enforcement actions at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the detention of senior clergy,” which raise “significant concerns about the protection of religious freedom, the sanctity of worship, and the autonomy of religious institutions.” These developments threaten the church’s revered role in Armenian society and its contributions to the global Christian community.

Armenia, a predominantly Christian nation, has long relied on the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian institutions, for resilience through crises like the 1915 Genocide and recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts. Yet, rising church-state tensions, fueled by political divisions and regional instability, risk further polarizing society.

The WCC warns that “public rhetoric… perceived as hostile or dismissive toward religious communities risks deepening societal divisions.” It urges Armenia’s government to “ensure the protection, dignity, and legal rights of all religious leaders” and promote dialogue. Standing in solidarity, the WCC prays for peace, justice, and mutual respect to guide Armenia through this critical juncture.

The UOJ continues to report on the Armenian government’s crackdown on the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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