Viktor Yelensky presented the Ukrainian government’s position on the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church within the World Council of Churches

Viktor Yelensky, head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, held a meeting with a delegation from the World Council of Churches, during which he explained the details of legislative initiatives concerning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Official Kyiv insists that these measures are not directed against believers, but are intended solely to limit the influence of institutions associated with the Russian Orthodox Church. This was reported by the press service of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.

During a discussion with World Council of Churches General Secretary Jerry Pillay, Viktor Yelensky emphasized that in the 35 years since Ukraine gained independence, no religious organization has been banned in the country. The head of the State Commission on Religious Affairs asserts that the current legislative initiative is a necessary measure, since, in his words, the Russian Orthodox Church “has declared a holy war against Ukraine” and is calling for the destruction of Ukrainian identity.

The official also assured representatives of the international religious organization that the provisions of the law concerning the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are feasible and do not create obstacles to the freedom of conscience of believers. In addition, during the meeting—which was attended by Yelena Kovalskaya, a representative of the Office of the President—the consequences of Russian aggression for religious communities were discussed. Yelensky cited data indicating that since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 800 churches have been damaged, and the number of clergy killed has exceeded 80.

As a reminder, earlier, the head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Viktor Yelensky , acknowledged that there is a risk the state could lose in international courts if the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) files a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).