U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom appeals to DESS over UOC situation
The emblem of USCIRF. Photo: the USCIRF website.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has appealed to the State Ethnopolitics Service (DESS) over the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reports “Voice of America”, explaining that this Commission is a separate U.S. government agency responsible for reviewing potential violations of religious freedom abroad and providing political recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.
In response to USCIRF's letter, Yelensky assured Americans that draft law 8371 allegedly "does not aim to restrict freedom of conscience but rather prevent the indoctrination of the Ukrainian population through a religious centre that is part of the military-political complex of a state attempting to destroy Ukraine."
The Commission told “Voice of America” that they met with Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, "who strongly advocated Ukraine's ability to defend its national security, considering Russia's unjust war and influence campaign in Ukraine".
The Commission expressed its understanding of the challenges facing Ukraine but "asked to ensure that the law, when passed, does not violate religious freedom".
"In the end, the Ukrainian government is obligated to ensure that the law is not aimed at law-abiding citizens because of their religious beliefs or affiliation or in any way hinders people from peacefully practising their religion together with others," USCIRF stated.
Earlier, the U.S. presidential candidate stated that Ukraine, using American taxpayers' money, bans the UOC.
Read also
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.