Council on Pastoral Care of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Supports Bill on Introduction of Military Chaplaincy

The Council for Matters of Pastoral Care of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine expressed its support for bill number 3143, aimed at the legal regulation of the activity of military clergy (chaplains).

A council meeting on the matter was held October 9, the Institute for Religious Freedom (IRF) reports.

The CEO of IRF, Maksym Vasin, explained the main provisions and innovations of the bill. According to him, the legislation proposes to regulate the current pastoral ministry of priests in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“The bill will in practice secure the right of military personnel to have pastoral care to meet their religious needs. The need to extend the legal framework in this area is caused by the realities of today. Therefore, the proposed changes will promote the development in Ukraine of the military chaplaincy experience, and it foresees the facilitation of the participation of priests in the peacekeeping forces of our country,” said the expert.

The Council on Matters of Pastoral Care of the Defense Ministry decided to send letters of support for bill number 3143 to the leadership of the relevant committee and parliamentary factions in the Verkhovna Rada.

In this context, representatives of churches and religious organizations noted the need to establish a dialogue with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, because the law provides for the right to pastoral care, including for servicemen of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Also during the meeting the parties discussed the question of improving the work of the Council on Matters of Pastoral Care of the Ministry of Defense.