Yelensky on UOC bishops: We do not grant deferments to such people
The head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) acknowledged that clergy are defrocked when they go to the front but stated that his agency does not grant exemption from mobilization to UOC clergy.
The DESS head Viktor Yelensky at a press conference at «Ukrinform» stated that his agency had received requests for deferment from UOC clergy but rejected them.“We do not grant deferment to such people,” Yelensky said, referring to one hierarch who received a deferment as an employee in a non-church field.
At the same time, he acknowledged that "a clergyman cannot take up arms, if he commits even unintentional killing, he must be defrocked from the priesthood."
The official also reported that Ukraine had received remarks from foreign religious centers, particularly from the US episcopal conference, that mobilizing priests is unacceptable. Nevertheless, this had no impact on the actions of Ukrainian authorities.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Congresswoman Luna declared the mobilization of UOC priests illegal.
