After the adoption of bill № 4128 church seizures will become more frequent, – politologist

Ruslan Bortnik, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Analysis and Management Policy, said that if passed, bill № 4128 will escalate inter-religious confrontation in Ukraine. So the political the analyst commented on putting the draft law to the vote in the Parliament on 6 October.

"Chances that the bill will be voted in favor I would describe as 50/50, - said Ruslan Bortnik. – There are some more "solid" bills scheduled for Thursday’s vote. Regarding the legislative initiative № 4128, it is absolutely conflict. If adopted, this will lead to increased inter-religious confrontation in Ukraine, to an even greater regionalization of Churches. That is, in the West of Ukraine there will be the UOC church grabs, and in the East and the South – seizures of the UOC-KP churches. There is a chance that the bill will not be voted. They will most likely have no time for the voting."

According to experts, bill № 4128 confuses the distinction between religious and municipal communities and enables people far removed from the Church’s life to have a serious impact on it.

The bill has been heavily criticized by human rights organizations in Europe.

Read also

State Film Agency bans Ukrainian film "Prayer for Hetman Mazepa"

The film by renowned director Yuriy Illienko about Mazepa was banned due to the participation of an actor from the Russian Federation.

US state to introduce criminal liability for refusing to break confessional seal

The bill in Arizona could see priests facing felony charges if they fail to break the seal of confession after learning of child abuse during the sacrament.

Synod of Cyprus sets conditions for lifting Met. Tychikos' suspension

The Cypriot Synod linked the possible return of the hierarch to service with a number of requirements, including a written confession of faith and a refusal to appeal to a secular court.

Congresswoman takes control of possible takeover attempt in Kuzmyn

An American legislator responded to the appeal of UOC parishioners, publishing their video, and promising to seek accountability for attempts to seize churches.

OCU church in Kosmach cancels Christmas services due to calendar disputes

Disagreements over the date of Christmas celebrations in the Pre-Carpathian community have led to the services not taking place either in December or in January

Congresswoman: Zelensky waging war against his people over faith

An American legislator stated that Zelensky's policies have led to the persecution of believers and promised to respond to forceful actions against UOC parishes.