Belarusian expert: Ukrainian authorities have cornered themselves with UOC
Belarusian theologian Natalya Vasilevich. Photo: belarus2020.churchby.info
Belarusian religion expert Natalya Vasilevich wrote on her Telegram channel that the Ukrainian authorities have cornered themselves when, instead of engaging in dialogue with the UOC, they chose the path of repression against it.
"When discussing the war in Ukraine, the issue of violations of religious freedom always arises in one way or another. This is facilitated by widely circulated videos depicting the seizure of temples for their forcible transfer to the OCU, as well as the UOC's international campaign for self-defence," she noted.
According to the expert, the "campaign against the UOC has taken too great a scale," and Ukrainian authorities and representatives of the OCU are constantly having to justify themselves with arguments such as "the UOC is to blame themselves", "this is all Russian propaganda", "we are just ensuring our national security during the war", and "it's much worse in the territories occupied by Russia".
"They have cornered themselves by supporting and encouraging this campaign, and now they cannot turn back the spring and replay everything. Therefore, they have to push themselves even further into the deadlock," Vasilevich wrote.
"Instead of ensuring order during the transition of churches from one jurisdiction to another, relieving social tension regarding the UOC, easing the tension within the UOC due to increased pressure, repression and discrimination, and trying to engage in dialogue and find common solutions to complex situations, Ukrainian authorities are supporting confrontation with the UOC," the theologian wrote.
Furthermore, Vasilevich called for the formation of a group of international and Ukrainian experts to develop ways out of the "deadlock of state policy in the field of religious freedom".
"In my estimation, the situation for Ukraine has significantly worsened compared to even October-November 2023, with the pressure remaining at approximately the same level, and the problematic law keeps getting postponed," she added.
As reported, the UN is concerned about the persecution and intimidation of UOC believers.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
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.