The Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which is the oldest autocephalous Orthodox Church, has released a statement condemning the recently passed law in Ukraine that allows for the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This statement caused a significant resonance among religious and political observers.
This is stated in the statement of the patriarchate on its website.
"The Jerusalem Patriarchate, together with many of our fellow patriarchs, as well as other heads of churches, condemn the adoption of a new law by the Ukrainian parliament on August 20 banning services in UOC churches. Such total punishment of countless believing men and women does not promote unity and does not promote peace," the statement said.
"There is no justification for turning the practice of religious belief into a weapon, and we should all allow those who want to pray to do so as their conscience dictates, and we call on the Ukrainian parliament to review and repeal this law for the well-being of all people of faith in Ukraine," the patriarchate also stated.
