KDAiS Rector: Prohibition of religious groups typical of totalitarian regimes
KDAiS Rector, Archbishop Silvester (Stoychev). Photo: dialogtut.org
Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Archbishop Silvester said that banning religious organizations is typical only for authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. He wrote this in an article published on the DialogTut website.
According to him, banning the UOC by the state would be a blow to the democratic principles of Ukrainian society. The bishop is sure that it is impossible to allow "such a transformation" of the state.
KDAiS Rector noted that during the 30 years of independence of Ukraine, no one had resorted to a legal ban on the Church.
He reminded that Ukraine is a secular state and therefore all religious organizations must be equal.
"In Ukraine, there hasn’t been the practice of legislative ban on churches or religious organizations. During the 30 years of independence, different religious figures could have been put on trial for their crimes and punished legally. But this has never meant a ban on religious organizations themselves," the bishop wrote.
As reported, the Verkhovna Rada said that the UOC can be banned only by a court ruling.
Read also
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.
UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.
Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda
The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.
Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds
A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.
ROCOR Subdeacon Invites Rep. Joe Wilson to Divine Liturgy
Gregory Levitsky is a constituent of the congressman and called him to “repent of false witness.”
U.S. Reps. Show Solidarity with Plight of UOC
As part of the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco’s Day of Action on Capitol Hill, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) gave pointed remarks during a press conference.