UOC сomments on SBU-initiated bill on banning religious denominations

Metropolitan Clement. Photo: screenshot from the YouTube channel "Ukrainian Orthodox Church"

Metropolitan Clement, the head of the Information Department of the UOC, has commented on the bill initiated by the SBU that aims to expand the authorities' power to liquidate religious organizations in Ukraine.

According to Metropolitan Clement, this initiative in parliament is seen as yet another attempt to ban the UOC. However, if this bill is passed, it would necessitate the banning of many religious organizations.

"Believe me, if this 'Pandora's box' is opened even a crack, the public will quickly remind law enforcement agencies of numerous violations mentioned in the bill committed by representatives of the OCU, Protestant organizations, and Islamic organizations. In light of recent information scandals, even a non-lawyer can clearly see that Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic communities will be the first target," said the bishop.

Metropolitan Clement also called on UOC believers not to violate the laws of Jesus Christ and to follow Christian moral commandments.

"Our Leader is the Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not violate His laws, then no one will ever be able to truthfully prove that we violated state laws. This is the universality of Christian moral commandments. The current situation is, first and foremost, a spiritual test of who we are as Christians," he added.

As previously reported by SPZH, the SBU initiated a bill on the liquidation of denominations associated with Russia.

Read also

Church of Cyprus Defrocks Priest Amid Mounting Ecclesiastical Tensions

Fr. Dimos Serkelidis removed from clerical office following Synodal Court decision; controversy grows over internal Church governance

OCU Holds Service in Seized Cherkasy Church—But Nobody Came

Photos reveal nearly deserted worship in St. Andrew’s Church after its seizure from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)

Romanian Orthodox Hierarchs Propose Five Women for Canonization

Canonization effort highlights upcoming Commemorative Year of Holy Women in 2026.

St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk

First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.

Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi

An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.

Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him

Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.