Ukrainian Parliament Passes Bill Banning Moscow-Linked Religious Groups, Ukrainian Orthodox Church Targeted
The Ukrainian parliament has passed a bill that bans the activities of religious groups linked to the Russian Orthodox Church or any other religious group supporting Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. The bill, approved by the Verkhovna Rada with a majority of 265 votes, deems the Russian Orthodox Church as an extension of the aggressor state and an accomplice to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The controversial law has drawn criticism from Bishop Metropolitan Klyment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who insists on the church’s independence from Moscow. A lawyer representing the UOC called the bill a grotesque violation of religious freedom. The Ukrainian government claims that the UOC remains tied to the Russian church, citing evidence found during searches of church sites, including Russian passports and pro-Russian leaflets.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has historic ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, with the Moscow-based patriarch supporting the Russian invasion as a ‘holy war.’ The Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a separate entity from the UOC, has expressed support for the bill, citing Patriarch Kirill’s endorsement of the killing of Ukrainians.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to sign the bill, emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing Ukrainian spiritual independence. The UOC’s future in Ukraine remains uncertain as the government takes steps to sever ties with Moscow-linked religious groups.
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