“Compulsion to military service is a violation of human rights” - Metropolitan Luke on the mobilization of the UOC clergy

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol commented on the decision of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, according to which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was not included in the list of critically important organizations for the functioning of the economy and ensuring vital activities. In his opinion, this step poses serious risks to religious freedom and the equality of denominations in the country. Metropolitan Luke published his statement on his Telegram channel.

«This step can be considered discriminatory and politically motivated. It violates the rights of believers and creates unequal conditions for clergy of different denominations,» said Metropolitan Luke.

The refusal to include the UOC in the list of protected organizations effectively deprives its clergy of the right to deferment from mobilization. «We categorically reject the idea of ‘punishing’ clergymen through mobilization to the front. The Church is not a state institution. A priest is not a politician but a shepherd of human souls, called to care for the spiritual condition of people rather than participate in armed conflict. Forcing clergy into military service against their will and beliefs is a gross violation of human rights and the spiritual mission of the Church,» he emphasized.

At the same time, Metropolitan Luke highlighted the UOC’s contribution to the social life of the country. «We have repeatedly spoken and demonstrated how the Church supports the people in these difficult times. We help displaced persons, care for the wounded and war-disabled, support families who have lost loved ones. Thousands of reports, articles, and testimonies from people prove our work for the benefit of society. However, officials prefer to ignore reality, guided by myths and prejudices,» noted the metropolitan.

The bishop also pointed out the legal and social consequences of the decision. «This decision is legally vulnerable and violates the Constitution of Ukraine. The state must be neutral towards religious organizations rather than create discriminatory conditions. Such an approach not only undermines people’s trust in the law but may also lead to international legal proceedings. I am confident that human rights organizations and international structures will pay attention to this issue,» he stated.

Finally, Metropolitan Luke warned of potential consequences for society. «The rhetoric claiming that all UOC priests are agents and must be mobilized is not only false but also destructive to the unity of our people. Such statements sow distrust, deepen division, and weaken our country. In these difficult times, we need unity and understanding, not political reprisals against the Church,» concluded the metropolitan.

It is worth noting that Russian citizen and head of the Crimean diocese of the OCU, Kliment Kushch, criticized Ukrainians who evade forced mobilization and refuse to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. Kushch called citizens who refuse to go to the front a cowardly minority, adding that they would still be executed by the Russians when they came to their homes.