Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands Denounces Unfounded Investigation Threats

OCP News Service – 25/08/20234

Prague – Czech Republic: Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands (part of the autocephalous Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia) has strongly condemned calls from the Czech Senate Security Committee for a state investigation into the Church’s activities. The Church views these calls as an attempt at “ideological obedience” reminiscent of the Communist era.

The Senate Committee’s initiative follows the Czech government’s recent crackdown on the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in the country. Earlier this month, the government revoked the residency permit of the rector of the ROC’s representative church in Karlovy Vary. Now, the Committee seeks an investigation into both the ROC’s parish and the independent Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands.

Concerns about Manipulation and Targeting

The Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands emphasizes its complete separation from the ROC and its disapproval of the war in Ukraine. The Church objects to the Senate Committee’s attempt to link it to the ROC without evidence. The statement highlights the offer of dialogue with the Committee, which was reportedly ignored.

The Church fears the accusations and investigation threats are part of a larger effort to control and manipulate religious institutions. They point out the Czech Republic’s history under totalitarian regimes and their attempts to control religious life.

Defense of Religious Freedom

The statement emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and criticizes the government’s attempt to conflate religious practice with political ideology. The Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands defends its right to pray for peace and serve its community without political interference.

The Church intends to raise this issue with the Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic, highlighting the threat of political influence on religious communities.

Background:

The tension between the Czech government and the ROC stems from the ongoing war in Ukraine. The government views the ROC as an arm of the Russian state and has imposed sanctions on its leadership.

The Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands, however, is a separate and independent Church with a long history in the Czech Republic.

Source:
OCP News Service