The World Council of Churches expressed concern over the adoption of the law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The World Council of Churches has issued a statement in which it expressed deep concern over the adoption in Ukraine of Law No. 8371 aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The WCC noted that “neither the crimes of individuals nor the historical ties of a particular religious association” can be a sufficient reason to restrict freedom of conscience. The statement was published on the organization’s official website.

“The WCC is deeply alarmed by the possibility of unjustified collective punishment of an entire religious community and violation of the principles of freedom of religion and belief under the new law approved by the Ukrainian Rada on August 20, 2024. The new law now awaits President Zelensky’s signature. We reiterate our call on the Ukrainian government to be cautious about measures that risk violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and undermining social cohesion during this period of national emergency,” — the statement said.

The WCC notes the inadmissibility of collective responsibility of a religious organization because of individual cases of violation of the law by its representatives. The organization hopes that all investigations into the religious communities of the UOC will be conducted fairly and impartially.

“We note the six-step process under the new law before a religious organization can be banned and ask that any such investigation be conducted fairly and impartially, and that due regard be given to the principles of international law, natural justice and due process in taking any action under this new law. Neither the crimes of individuals nor the historical affiliation of a religious entity can be sufficient grounds for taking measures amounting to collective punishment of a living religious community in Ukraine. The Government of Ukraine is responsible for protecting the rights of all its citizens,” — the WCC added.

We will remind, earlier we reported that the head of the German foundation for the organization of aid to Eastern Europe “Renovabis” pastor Professor Thomas Schwartz criticized the attempts of Ukrainian deputies to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Schwarz called on the government to apply individual responsibility if someone violates laws, rather than banning an entire denomination.