UOC Synod urges Verkhovna Rada MPs not to pass Bill 8371

Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: armyinform.com.ua

On April 10, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church expressed its position on the draft law No. 8371, the Information and Education Department of the UOC reported.

The Synodals noted that the bill No. 8371 "On Amending Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Activities of Religious Organizations in Ukraine", initiated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, is of particular concern to the faithful.

"Under the pretext of protecting national security, its provisions are aimed not only at closing down the Ukrainian Orthodox Church but also at violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion, guaranteed by the state for its every citizen.," the document reads.

According to the bishops' conviction, the bill is aimed at interference in the internal activities of religious organizations of the UOC.

In this regard, the Holy Synod urged the MPs of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine not to pass this bill.

As reported by the UOJ, the Holy Synod previously stated the violation of the rights of UOC believers.

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