The suppression of the UOC destroys Ukraine’s democratic institutions

 The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which had more adherents and parishes than other Christian confessions in Ukraine, was banned by the Ukrainian government and prominent members of its clergy are being prosecuted.

The goal of its action is easy to comprehend. The government is striving to eradicate any remnants of common cultural space with Russia and undermine the public support of political forces that are promoting the idea of immediate cease-fire.

However, the long-term repercussions of the UOC suppression may be disastrous for Ukraine’s political system and the example of violent political interference into the religious life can spread far beyond Ukraine.

The Ukrainian fragile democracy has been distorted by the war and if violations of the basic human rights remain unrestricted and irreversible, the damage inflicted on the Ukrainian democratic institutions will become unrepairable even after the termination of hostilities.

Therefore, we feel obliged to initiate discussions on measures that should be taken in order to make an end of repressions against the UOC and resume its legal activity. We are going to involve into the discussions European and Ukrainian experts, politicians and clerics of Christian confessions.

We will be grateful for any suggestions concerning agenda of the upcoming discussions, assistance in their organization as well as in raising awareness of the UOC banning in Ukraine.