Yelensky: International Religious Bodies Oppose Mobilization of Clergy in Ukraine

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: Ukrinform

KYIV — Viktor Yelensky, head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), stated that international religious organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have informed Ukrainian authorities that the mobilization of clergy is unacceptable. This was reported by UOJ-Ukraine.

Speaking on June 3 during a press conference presenting the nationwide survey “Assessment of the Religious Situation in Ukraine,” Yelensky addressed concerns regarding the lack of draft exemptions for clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). He stated that both Orthodox and Catholic tradition prohibit priests from bearing arms. “He cannot take up arms. If he commits even an unintentional killing, he must be deposed from the priesthood,” Yelensky said.

He noted that numerous international religious bodies have raised the issue with Ukrainian officials. “Many religious centers, for example, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and many international religious centers have appealed to and pointed this out to Ukraine,” he said.

Yelensky added that the ultimate decision rested with Ukraine’s political leadership. “What was done, what was decided, was a decision of the Ukrainian president and the head of the Ukrainian government,” he stated, without elaborating on the specific policy decisions made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding clergy mobilization.

The DESS chief also noted that chaplains serving with the Ukrainian Armed Forces periodically travel abroad to provide pastoral care to Ukrainian refugees.

Previously, the UOJ reported that criminal cases had been opened against Yelensky for allegations of inciting religious hatred.

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