The draft law on the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine may protect the country from speculation on the basis of religion by Russia.
According to Ukrinform, the chairman of the state service for ethnic policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Viktor Yelensky, announced this on the United News telethon.
"This bill is effective for protecting Ukraine from abuse of religion by the aggressor country. It also complies with democratic procedures because the court will have the last word. The bill provides that the activities of religious organizations whose centers are located in the country that has committed aggression against Ukraine are not allowed on the territory of Ukraine."
According to Yelensky, in order to determine whether a religious organization is under the authority of centers located in the territory of an aggressor country, the Enthnopolitics service will conduct religious expertise. The commission will include specialists in economic law, the history of orthodoxy, political science, and the sociology of religion. "If the response is positive, the DESS will issue an order to the organization under study with a request to break this connection. The connection with the Moscow Patriarchate, in our case, is not part of the Orthodox faith. It does not impose a burden on the conscience of an individual or organization," said the head of the Ethnopolitics.
He further explained that if the organization severs this connection, there will be no complaints against it. However, if the connection is maintained, the Enthnopolitics service can approach the court for its preservation, and the court will have the final say on the matter.
As reported, in January 2023, the Verkhovna Rada registered Government Bill No. 8371 on the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine, according to which the activities of the UOC-MP may be stopped. The draft law is aimed at ensuring spiritual independence, preventing a split in society on religious grounds, promoting the consolidation of Ukrainian society and protecting national interests.