Yelensky: We must stop the use of religion for subversive purposes

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: nfront.org.ua

On 21 December 2022, Viktor Yelenskyy, who was recently appointed the new head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, said that "one of the most important directions is to prevent the manipulation of religion and its use by the enemy as a weapon”, reports lb.ua.

"The use of religion for subversive purposes is a separate story, monographs have been written about it. The enemy can use or try to use anyone, but we have to protect against it," Viktor Yelensky said.

At the same time, according to him, the state should allow religious organizations to express their religious feelings with dignity.

The new head of the DESS admitted that he has not yet figured out how the subordinate institution is organised. "I do not yet know how the service is organised. I know its aims and objectives, but I need to understand who works there. I know people professionally involved in religion, and ethnopolitics, but definitely not all of them. We need to talk about what tasks in the field of freedom of conscience they see as a priority," said Yelensky.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Viktor Yelensky for the post of the head of the State Ethnopolitics Committee.

Read also

Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church

The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.

Authorities hold “memorial” concert in church seized from UOC in Chernihiv

Believers expressed outrage over the transformation of an ancient shrine into a concert venue.

Kremenchuk authorities force OCU to remove fence around Trinity Cathedral

The mayor of Kremenchuk ordered the fence removed and the church’s “strangely divided” land plot reduced.

LGBT Catholics march in Rome Pride parade with rainbow cross

Participants in the gay pride march said the “rainbow cross” is a visible sign of the LGBT community’s presence within the Church.

Zelensky meets with OCU’s “Lavra abbot” at OP to discuss future plans

Lotysh thanked Zelensky for personally overseeing the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral.

Media report case of forcibly mobilized UOC deacon, father of many children

Deacon Andriy Virnyi of the Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Lutsk said he faced pressure, threats, and legal violations during an attempt to mobilize him.