Yelensky: Those against Bill 8371 recognize that they have ties with Moscow

DESS head Viktor Yelensky. Photo: korrespondent.net

Viktor Yelensky, the Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, stated that the anti-church bill 8371, which MPs voted on in the first reading, aims for the UOC to sever ties with the ROC, according to Focus.

"The law is not aimed at banning the UOC-MP, as some deputies proposed and as it is communicated in the media. It is only about Ukraine not allowing religious organizations to be subordinated to centers that are waging war against Ukraine. The UOC-MP is not required to change its doctrine, canonical law, calendar, liturgical language, or become part of another church. They are simply told that they should not be part of a church that is at war with Ukraine. Those who protest essentially admit that they have a leading center in Moscow," said Yelensky.

As reported by the UOJ, the UOC could be banned based on Russian documents.

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