The Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of the USA condemned the Ukrainian law on the ban of the UOC

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA (an association operating under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA of the Patriarchate of Constantinople) has criticized the anti-church law No. 3894 (formerly No. 8371) adopted on August 20 by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The organization believes that the law threatens the freedom of religion of millions of Ukrainian citizens. The corresponding statement was published on the organization’s website.

“While recognizing the legitimate right of governments to prevent all threats to security in times of war, the Assembly is deeply concerned about the adoption by the Ukrainian Parliament of Bill 8371 (Law 3894). Ukraine is a religiously pluralistic society. In the interest of religious freedom and the rule of law, we pray that Ukrainian Law 3894 will not be used to persecute any religious group in Ukraine, which would jeopardize the religious freedom of millions of its citizens,” – the statement reads.

Earlier we reported that Ukrainian Protestants are actively lobbying the law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church among the political establishment in the United States, including the Republican Party. Ukrainian Baptists and Pentecostals, who speak “the same religious language” with the Republicans, are particularly involved in the process.