WCC General Secretary: Anti-Lavra actions target the Church itself

WCC head Pastor and Doctor of Theology Jerry Pillay. Photo: religionnews.com

The Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Pastor Jerry Pillay, said that the actions of the Ukrainian authorities around Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are directed against the Church itself and expressed concern about the events taking place, reports oikoumene.org.

"It is unfortunate that such actions – including with regard to the UOC’s monastic community of the ancient Dormition Kyiv Caves Lavra – appear to target the church itself," Jerry Pillay said.

"The actions being taken against the UOC do appear to raise genuine questions with regard to respect for freedom of religion or belief," he added.

Pillay noted the importance of protecting the Church wherever it is located.

"The WCC will monitor this situation closely, and respond appropriately in accordance with the principles of international human rights law and the protection of religious freedom. In the meantime, the WCC continues to encourage dialogue for peace, including among its member churches and ecumenical partners in Russia, Ukraine, and around the world," Pillay said.

Pillay added that the WCC will soon organise a roundtable with church leaders from Russia, Ukraine and other countries to discuss how church leaders can bring "light, hope and healing to a tragic context".

As previously reported, the OCU has asked to join the World Council of Churches.

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