Dumenko: Ukrainian govt. doesn’t interfere in activities of denominations

Head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Photo: pomisna.info

The head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko stated that the Ukrainian state, unlike the Russian one, allegedly "does not interfere in the internal life of religious communities". He said this during his speech at the "Crimean Forum 26-2-14", reports the OCU press service.

He noted that freedom of religion in Ukraine is ensured both by law and in practice. In contrast to Russia, where, according to Dumenko, the authorities have established "serious restrictions on the activities of religious organizations, including at the legislative level."

"In fact, in Russia, the Soviet system of control over religious communities has been revived, which occurs, including through the covert influence of special services," Dumenko said, comparing the authorities' attitude towards religion in Ukraine and Russia.

As reported, the President of Ukraine demanded that MPs quickly pass a law banning the UOC.

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