Tensions Flare as Scholar Criticizes Serbian Orthodox Church Property Management in Kosovo

SPC.rs – OCP News Service – 08/04/2024

Prizren-Kosovo: A recent interview with Eleonora Visoka Weller, a doctoral candidate at the University of Cambridge specializing in cultural heritage management, has reignited tensions in Kosovo regarding religious property and cultural heritage.

Serbian Orthodox Church officials have strongly condemned Ms. Weller’s statements, accusing her of promoting a one-sided narrative that undermines reconciliation efforts. They claim her comments about the Church’s property management, including agricultural and animal husbandry practices, demonstrate a lack of understanding of private property rights and religious freedom.

Ms. Weller’s comments regarding the unfinished Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina have sparked particular controversy. She contends that the building lacks historical significance and represents “violence from the 1990s” due to its association with former Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević’s era. The Church disputes this characterization, highlighting the Church’s ownership of the land and the attacks on the site, including vandalism and denial of access.

Ms. Weller has also faced criticism for her remarks on the Visoki Dečani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She reportedly questioned the legality of a 2016 court decision regarding the monastery’s property and downplayed the dangers faced by the site, which has been targeted by extremists. Her criticism of European cultural heritage organizations for raising concerns about the monastery’s security has also drawn condemnation.

The Serbian Orthodox Church emphasizes the need for comprehensive and effective measures to protect its holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija. This includes strong international guarantees and, if necessary, the continued presence of KFOR peacekeeping forces.

The Church further questions Ms. Weller’s academic credibility, alleging that her nationalist views undermine her objectivity on matters related to the Serbian Orthodox Church’s cultural heritage.

This controversy underscores the ongoing challenges related to property rights, religious freedom, and cultural heritage in Kosovo. Ms. Weller’s interview highlights the deep-seated tensions that persist, while the Church’s response emphasizes the need for international involvement in protecting its religious sites.

Source:

OCP News Service and SPC.rs