US politician on accusations against UOC: Attacking the Church is unacceptable
South Carolina House Representative Thomas Beach. Photo: screenshot from One America News channel video
On November 20, 2025, South Carolina State Representative Thomas Beach criticized the accusations made against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, calling any attacks on Christians unacceptable. He made these comments on the American television channel One America News while responding to posts by Congressman Joe Wilson, who accused the UOC of ties to the Russian state and of being involved in an “intelligence operation.”
During the interview, Beach said he was deeply concerned about what is happening in Ukraine, where, according to him, incidents of pressure on Christians are being reported. “I hate to see Christians persecuted anywhere,” the politician stressed, stating that such practices contradict the foundations of freedom of religion.
He added that, as an elected representative, he is duty-bound to protect the religious rights of the people in his state. “There will be no persecution of Christians in South Carolina – under any circumstances – not while I’m in charge,” Beach said. According to him, any encroachment on the religious freedoms of Christians “is an encroachment on every one of us.”
The politician made his statement in response to a tweet by Congressman Wilson, who characterized the UOC as an entity close to the Russian state. Beach emphasized that such accusations do not justify attacks on believers or interference in the internal life of the Church.
In his view, protecting Christian communities, including the UOC, is an essential part of safeguarding religious freedom, which holds a central place in the American system of values.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of the New York Young Republicans accused the congressman of attacking the UOC.
Read also
St. Nicholas Church parish of Dnipro delivers aid to Kherson region residents
Believers of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy carried out a humanitarian mission to the Kherson region.
Celebrations honoring miraculous icon of Theotokos begin at Pochaiv Lavra
The festive All-Night Vigil at the Pochaiv Lavra began with an akathist before the miraculous Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathanael consecrates iconostasis in Nosachevychi
The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy led the Divine Liturgy at the St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene Church, where he consecrated the iconostasis.
Police officers in England invited to observe Ramadan fast in solidarity
British police officers of all faiths have been encouraged to observe the Ramadan fast alongside their Muslim colleagues to better understand the significance of Islam's holiest month.
Canadian military advises chaplains to avoid prayers and references to God
Canada's Armed Forces have introduced new guidance encouraging military chaplains to replace traditional prayers with neutral "spiritual reflections" at official ceremonies to accommodate service members of all beliefs, including atheists.
Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
During a prayer vigil, a priest recalled the Gospel examples of the Apostle Peter and St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, speaking about the power of faith.