Assembly of Orthodox Bishops Calls for Peace, Concerned Over Ukraine’s Law 3894 Impact on Religious Liberty

OCP News Service – 21/09/2024

New York – USA: The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the subsequent challenges facing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

While acknowledging the Ukrainian government’s right to defend its security during wartime, the Assembly has raised concerns about the adoption of Law 3894, which could potentially threaten the religious liberty of millions of Ukrainian citizens.

The Assembly has called for the law to be implemented in a manner that respects religious freedom and the rule of law. They have also urged for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the immediate cessation of hostilities. The Assembly has expressed their prayers for the return of all captives and the protection of the civil and human rights of all Ukrainians.

Statement on Ukrainian Law 3894 and a Call for Peace

Monday, September 16, 2024

Passed on September 15, 2024

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has followed with grave concern and profound sorrow the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation as well as the ecclesiastical challenges in the country. While recognizing the legitimate right of governments to prevent all security threats during a time of war, the Assembly is deeply concerned with 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 the Ukrainian Law 3894 is not used to persecute any religious group within Ukraine, which would threaten the religious liberty of millions of its citizens.

The Assembly of Bishops prays for a peaceful resolution to this invasion that upholds the civil and human rights of all Ukrainians. The Assembly further prays and urgently calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of all captives.

Source:
OCP News Service

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