UGCC clerics banned from political propaganda activity online
The clergy of the UGCC and the laity in church structures are forbidden to conduct political campaigning on the Web. Photo: news.ugcc.ua
On August 3, 2020, the Instruction on the online presenсe of church structures, institutions, clergy and monasticism of the UGCC came into force, which prohibits political campaigning on social networks. This was reported by the information resource of the UGCC.
The Instruction will operate on a probationary period of three years. It contains specific guidelines on the rules for personal profiles and profiles of institutions on social networks. Laymen who work in church structures are also obliged to comply with a significant part of the provisions of this document.
The Instruction prohibits the discussion on social networks of personal conflicts with other hierarchs, clergy or parishioners, as well as direct or indirect campaigning for a candidate, party or political bloc.
From now on, the clergy of the UGCC cannot urge the congregation to vote for a person or a party; nor can they thank candidates for donations, praise for the rally, or do anything that can push parishioners to vote for a particular person. Such actions, according to the Instruction, are considered to be indirect campaigning.
Uniate clergy can now take part in political talk shows only with the permission of their local hierarch. UGCC clerics are not recommended to hype these shows on their accounts.
Violation of certain norms of the document will entail criminal liability.
“Within 30 days from the date of entry into force of this Instruction, clergymen, monastics, church structures and institutions must adjust all profiles on social networks with the requirements of this regulatory document,” the authors of the document emphasized.
Earlier it became known that the UGCC had organized actions to support Euromaidan in Europe.
Read also
On June 21, OCU plans to seize St. Nicholas Church in Bukovynian village
The rector and parishioners of the church are asking for prayers and support.
MEP urges Romania to condemn violence against clergy in Chernivtsi
Claudiu Târziu publicly appealed to the President of Romania, the acting Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, urging them to demand an explanation from the Ukrainian authorities.
Seizure in Chernivtsi overseen by Epifaniy's uncle, video
After the beating and expulsion of UOC priests from the Chernivtsi cathedral, Ivan Chokaliuk, the uncle of the head of the OCU, entered there together with the militants.
Sviatohirsk Lavra congratulates Metropolitan Arseniy on his 57th birthday
The abbot was wished strength of soul and body, heavenly consolation, the grace of God, and a swift release.
Greek site Romfea reports brutal beating of priests in Chernivtsi
Journalists showed their readers how followers of the OCU attacked priests of the UOC and published Fr. Vitaliy’s appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew.
Another court hearing held in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy
The lawyers reminded the court that their client has been in custody for an extended period and, as a clergyman, is entitled to regular spiritual care.