Report: 14 priests defrocked in Russia for anti-war stance
Priest. Photo: Pravlife
According to a new report by the "Christians Against War" group, supported by Reforum Space, 14 priests in Russia have been defrocked for their anti-war stance. These cases are part of a broader persecution of believers who oppose the war unleashed by Russia.
In addition to defrocking, the priests faced other punishments from church authorities. In 19 cases, priests were banned from priesthood, and 11 were outstaffed. In some cases, these measures were taken sequentially: first, the cleric was subjected to outstaffing, then banned from priesthood, and eventually, fully defrocked.
The group’s analysis includes data not only from Russia but from six countries in total, though the majority of cases (91%) occurred in Russia and Belarus, where religious leaders and parishioners have faced repression for their anti-war positions.
The primary cause of repression was anti-war publications and statements – 53 cases. Other reasons included participation in anti-war actions, refusal to say pro-war prayers, and anti-war sermons.
As previously reported, a Russian Orthodox Church priest was defrocked for refusing to read the 'Prayer for Holy Rus'.
Read also
Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source
In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.
Rome's basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo
A marble bust that has stood for centuries in one of Rome’s basilicas has been re-attributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years in obscurity.
In USA, the number of "non-believers" reaches historic high
The share of Americans without religious affiliation has reached a record high, with less than half the population considering faith important.
U.S. defense secretary: War with Iran is fight against “religious fanatics”
The U.S. defense secretary described the conflict with Iran as a struggle against religious fanatics and urged troops to seek a connection with Almighty God.
Dumenko holds religious events at Lavra's Warm Church
Dumenko held an event at the Warm Church of the Lavra for the first time, announcing plans to "return" the shrine under the control of his structure.