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Montenegro Metropolinate Rejects Separatism and Financial Misconduct Claims

07 October 11:26 Author Tobias Straney

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral rejected allegations of separatism, financial misconduct and wrongdoing by its clergy.

CETINJE, MONTENEGRO — The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral (MCP) has rejected accusations of financial non-transparency and separatism, saying it respects Montenegrin law and remains committed to the unity of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In comments to Portal Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG), the Metropolis said its primary mission is “the evangelical enlightenment of the people and the renewal of fraternal harmony.” It also said public discussion often reflects a lack of understanding of the Church’s structure and its historical role in Montenegro.

Regarding financial operations, the MCP said accusations of non-transparency are unfounded and that the Church should be evaluated under the same legal standards as other religious communities. “What is certain is that the Church does not act in a way that causes the state and citizens to suffer any harm,” the Metropolis stated.

The Metropolis also rejected allegations of separatism, pointing to what it called the importance of “guarding the throne of Pec.” It said Orthodox Christians of different ethnic, national, and linguistic backgrounds live in Montenegro, alongside members of other Christian denominations and Muslims, and that the Church takes this diversity into account in its public activities.

The MCP additionally rejected recent accusations against Priest Gojko Perović and other clergy as “completely unfounded and malicious.” It said some allegations concern the Church’s involvement in political events in 2020, when it opposed the government’s Law on Freedom of Religion and policies concerning church property. The Metropolis maintained that clergy involvement in public demonstrations and encouraging believers to participate politically was legitimate.

It also disputed claims that the Church determined the formation of the government after the 2020 elections, saying the government was elected by Parliament through the constitutional process.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Emmanuel rejected Russian claims over Montenegro and Baltic Churches.