OIDAC report: People in Ukraine are persecuted for their religious beliefs
Seizure of the Church of St. George the Victorious of the UOC in the Kirovohrad region. Photo: Screenshot from the Dozor_kozak1 video
In its annual report, the Austrian non-governmental organization OIDAC Europe (Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe) stated that the actions of authorities toward the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) harm believers and lead to persecution based on religious affiliation.
"Churches and clergy associated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) located within Ukrainian-controlled territories have been subject to raids, assaults, and arbitrary detentions, perpetrated by both vandals and authorities," OIDAC notes.
Austrian researchers point out that while such actions are ostensibly justified on the grounds of overseeing institutions linked to centers of governance in the aggressor country, many of these raids tansgress legal boundaries.
"Furthermore, the characterisation of an entire religious institution based on the actions of certain members, even if in an unusually high proportion works to the detriment of the faithful, leads to the targeting of individuals on grounds of their religious affiliation and deepens the existing religious divisions within the country," the report states.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a report on violations of religious freedom in Ukraine was published in Europe.
Read also
EXCLUSIVE: Abp Elpidophoros’ letter to Pat Bartholomew on defending UOC in US
Archbishop Elpidophoros reports to Patriarch Bartholomew on his efforts to derail actions by Orthodox clergy and faithful in the United States in defense of the UOC.
Zelensky awards chief rabbi "for the defense of the country"
At the celebration of Moshe Asman’s anniversary, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Territorial Defense Forces presented the rabbi with state awards and read out a message from Zelensky.
Gates foundation allocates $1 billion to promote abortion in Africa and Asia
Bill Gates and other private donors will direct funds to organizations seeking to legalize abortion and change laws in countries with traditional values.
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.