Renovabis foundation head: Ban on UOC will hinder Ukraine's path to EU
Photo: Thomas Schwartz, General Director of Renovabis. Source: KNA, Dieter Mayr
The head of the German organization for aid to Eastern Europe, Pastor Professor Thomas Schwartz, calls for the protection of freedom of religion in Ukraine. According to the foundation's website, "Renovabis criticizes ongoing attempts in the Ukrainian parliament to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church" and warns of the consequences of passing the law to ban the UOC.
"You cannot punish an entire Church with all its believers as traitors to their Ukrainian homeland," he notes.
He believes that neither all hierarchs nor the entire Church community should be equated with Russian aggressors, even if individual cases of state treason by UOC representatives are confirmed and legally proven.
"Such a legislative step by the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, could also complicate the path to the European Union and would be a significant burden for coexistence in Ukrainian society," underscores Professor Schwartz.
The General Director of Renovabis considers the deliberate ban on an entire Church unjustified and counterproductive. In his opinion, it would also play into the hands of Russian military propaganda.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a member of the British Parliament also opposed the bill 8371.
Read also
In Madrid, thousands of people march against abortion and euthanasia
Annual march "Sí a la Vida" ("Yes to Life") took place in Spain.
Rivne Eparchy hosts Orthodox youth congress "Unity Cup"
Orthodox youth of the Dubno region gathered for joint prayer, fellowship and spiritual strengthening.
Vučić on pilgrimage to Belt of Theotokos in Belgrade: I am proud of such Serbia
The President of Serbia noted the atmosphere of peace and reverence for the shrine in the Saint Sava Cathedral.
New church laid on site of burned 17th-century church in Ivashkovytsia
In the Zakarpattia region, the clergy consecrated the foundation of a new church that will replace the 1658 St. Michael Church, which was destroyed in a fire.
UCCRO calls on the West to step up military support for Ukraine
Religious leaders said that active support is the only way to stop aggression and prevent the spread of war around the world.
UOC bishop offers condolences to families of victims killed in Dnipro strike
Metropolitan Irynei called on clergy and laity to offer special prayers for all victims of the attack that took place on the night of June 2.