German professor: ROC docs cannot have validity for evaluating UOC status
Professor at WWU Münster Thomas Bremer. Photo: smithsonianjourneys.org
German Catholic theologian, professor at the University of Münster, Dr. Thomas Bremer, criticized the way “experts” of the State Ethnic Policy of Ukraine interpreted the Russian Orthodox Church's documents as evidence of the “belonging” of the UOC to the Moscow Patriarchate. This is discussed in the professor’s Report regarding the “religious examination” by the DESS commission, which was published by the Myriany Telegram channel.
“It is clear that the ROC does not recognize the independence of the UOC,” writes Dr. Bremer. "The UOC has no means of influencing the Russian statements. The UOC cannot influence the statements. That means that no ROC document can prove anything in connection with the UOC, especially if any such document originated before May 2022. <...> It is questionable why the Ukrainian legislation should make itself dependent on Russia. Therefore, Russian documents (or any foreign documents) cannot have validity for a Ukrainian evaluation of any question.”
The professor recalled that on May 27, 2022, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church adopted a statute, which defines its status as self-reliant and independent.
“The UOC council (sobor) which took place in May 2022 eliminated any mention of the ROC, with the exception of a reference (for historical context) to the 1990 document which gave the UOC its status.. <...> The council decisions refer to a 'full self-reliance and independence',” emphasized Dr. Bremer.
As the UOJ wrote, Professor Thomas Bremer stated that the conclusions of the DESS “expert commission” cannot be regarded as a proof of the ecclesiastical-canonical connection of the UOC with the Moscow Patriarchate.
Read also
Dumenko "blesses" SBU facility for forensic examination
The head of the OCU noted the "special role" of the Institute of Special Technology and Forensic Expertise of the SBU.
ROC head: Attempts to impose special powers of Pat. Bartholomew are sinful
Patriarch Kirill stated that the doctrine of special powers of the Patriarch of Constantinople is being imposed from outside.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces LGBT festival near Sodom and Gomorrah
Israeli authorities are promoting a large-scale gay event at the Dead Sea on social media, which has caused criticism and bewilderment among Christians.
In Bila Tserkva, man nearly killed for greeting "Christ is risen!"
Two non-Orthodox individuals aged 19 and 23 tracked down a 35-year-old Orthodox Christian after an Easter greeting, knocked him down and inflicted several knife wounds to his abdomen and neck.
In Uganda, Islamists kill Protestant pastor after sermon
In Uganda, a Protestant church pastor who preached among Muslims was stabbed to death after a sermon.
Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”
A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.