UOJ in Czech Republic criticizes TV for portraying CCzLS as "pro-Russian"

Metropolitan Michael of Prague and Archbishop Damian of the UOC. Photo: a screenshot from the Reportéři ČT resource

The editorial office of the Union of Orthodox Journalists in the Czech Republic criticized the local television for attempting to portray the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia (CCLS) as a "pro-Russian" organization.

According to the statement from the UOJ, one of the central Czech TV channels aired a report containing unfounded accusations against the Orthodox Church. Judging by the screenshot, the program was called Pátá kolona (Fifth Column). The material claimed that the CCzLS allegedly has close ties with Russia and holds a pro-Russian position in the context of current geopolitical events. As evidence, the hosts pointed to the service of the bishops of the UOC in Prague.

Orthodox journalists were particularly outraged by the channel's attempt to tarnish the reputation of Archbishop Michael of Prague, who was presented in the report as a "conduit of Russian influence". The UOJ in the Czech Republic emphasized that such accusations against the head of the Prague Diocese are groundless and defamatory.

The UOJ editorial office in the Czech Republic emphasized that “attempting to attach political labels to a religious organization that has, for decades, served the spiritual needs of the faithful, regardless of their nationality or political views, is an unacceptable form of manipulation.”

Journalists also noted that the CCzLS is an autocephalous (independent) Church that independently determines its internal and external policies, guided solely by the canonical principles of Orthodoxy and the interests of its flock.

The statement calls on Czech media to adhere to objectivity and impartiality when covering the activities of religious organizations and to refrain from politicizing matters of faith.

As earlier reported, the UOJ has opened a branch in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

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