The Anglican Church has warned the President of Ukraine about the consequences if the UOC is banned

The Anglican Church is at the forefront of efforts to persuade President Zelensky not to pass Law No. 8371 banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Representatives of the Anglican Church believe that the law will be voted in the second reading next week. About it reports the British news publication “Express”.

“There is a last-ditch effort behind the scenes to persuade President Zelensky not to introduce a draconian new law that would effectively ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). At the forefront of these efforts is the Anglican Church, led by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, amid concerns that the war between Russia and Ukraine is leading to disproportionate repressive measures by Zelensky and his supporters,” the media outlet reported.

In addition, the Anglican Church sent a letter to the Ukrainian government criticizing the law No. 8371, considering its individual norms absolutely discriminatory. According to the publication, the bill, which intends to ban the UOC, will limit the right of believers even to gather in private homes.

“Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, the Church of England’s lead bishop for foreign policy, has written to the Ukrainian government warning that “many of the amendment’s key terms are vague, undefined and allow for discriminatory interpretations that violate international FoRB norms. In its most general form, the amendment threatens collective punishment.”

However, the new law could be passed as early as today and is expected to be advanced this week. The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) intends to vote on Bill 8371, which would impose a total ban on the UOC, as early as next week. The shocking law not only outlaws this religion in public, but also prohibits Ukrainians from following this faith in their own homes,” the report said.

It is not the first time that the Anglican Church has drawn attention to the fact that the bill No. 8371 directly violates the rights of believers in Ukraine. Earlier, we reported that the General Synod of the Anglican Church said that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church discriminated against believers.