Spiritual Directorate of Muslims ‘Ummah’ Appeals to Presidential Candidates of Ukraine

The Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Ukraine “Ummah” and Muslim community organizations, expressing respect for all candidates for the highest office of the country turn to them with a number of proposals they want to see in their platforms.

Muslims of Ukraine, despite different ethnic origins, regions of residence, social status or political preferences, are united by the principles of the Islamic faith. A very important aspect is the possibility of free confession of faith and social (service, education) self-actualization, UNIAN Religion reports.

The list of proposals can be divided into two parts: those for the short term and those for the long term.

I. SHORT TERM

1. Preserve the religious rights and freedoms of all denominations in Ukraine, without giving anyone special status.

2. Non-interference in the affairs of religious organizations.

3. Equally, without favoritism, treat all Muslim organizations of the country.

4. Establish an Advisory Council of Churches and Religious Organizations under the President to report to the head of state the position of believers on different issues, but with a wider range of representatives as today not all who want to can join the Council of Churches.

5. Assistance, under the law, the allocation of land for the construction of mosques and other places of worship, and for cemeteries where needed.

II. LONG TERM

1. Create conditions that allow believers, without violating their religious principles, to perform their civic duty.

2. Promote the development of banking processes, which operate without interest.

3. Parity and fairness in financing the denominations’ projects: to finance all or none.

We also hope that the candidates’ programs will include ways to encourage the development of the spiritual and moral health of Ukrainian society.