Renovabis foundation head: Ban on UOC will hinder Ukraine's path to EU
Photo: Thomas Schwartz, General Director of Renovabis. Source: KNA, Dieter Mayr
The head of the German organization for aid to Eastern Europe, Pastor Professor Thomas Schwartz, calls for the protection of freedom of religion in Ukraine. According to the foundation's website, "Renovabis criticizes ongoing attempts in the Ukrainian parliament to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church" and warns of the consequences of passing the law to ban the UOC.
"You cannot punish an entire Church with all its believers as traitors to their Ukrainian homeland," he notes.
He believes that neither all hierarchs nor the entire Church community should be equated with Russian aggressors, even if individual cases of state treason by UOC representatives are confirmed and legally proven.
"Such a legislative step by the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, could also complicate the path to the European Union and would be a significant burden for coexistence in Ukrainian society," underscores Professor Schwartz.
The General Director of Renovabis considers the deliberate ban on an entire Church unjustified and counterproductive. In his opinion, it would also play into the hands of Russian military propaganda.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a member of the British Parliament also opposed the bill 8371.
Read also
Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR
The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South
Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis
March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.
EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence
The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church
Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose
The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR
Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.
"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"
Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.