Yelensky: UN resorts to manipulation claiming that anti-church law bans UOC
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: zmina.info
Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), commented on the latest report from the UN High Commissioner to Hromadske Radio. He claimed that international human rights advocates had taken a superficial approach to drafting the report on the religious situation in Ukraine and accused them of manipulation.
The government official once again tried to justify the anti-Church law №3894 adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, which aims to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and has been criticized by the UN.
“Manipulations begin, the sleight of hand starts from the very first minutes,” he said about the UN report.
According to Yelensky, the law does not actually ban any religious organization.
“The law does not mention banning the UOC or any other religious organization. It concerns banning the Russian Orthodox Church, which, according to a PACE resolution, is an extension of Putin’s criminal regime and a full-fledged participant in the war against Ukraine,” he explained.
However, he then added that it does impose restrictions: “Thus, the Russian Orthodox Church is banned in Ukraine, and religious organizations affiliated with it are given every opportunity to disaffiliate.”
Yelensky stated that the Ukrainian state does not impose calendar reforms on anyone or force parishes to join any other religious organization.
Furthermore, the DESS head claimed during the radio program that no UOC churches have been closed in Ukraine and that no clergy of this Church have been persecuted.
“And if somewhere the clergy of this Church are being persecuted…” he began to explain but was interrupted by the host.
At the end of the discussion, Yelensky reiterated, “The law pursues a legitimate aim, is necessary in a democratic society, and passes all the required democratic tests.” He also informed listeners that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already stated that the UN’s conclusions regarding the anti-Church law “do not correspond to reality”.
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.
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.
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.