Draft Law to Ban Russian-Backed Orthodox Church in Ukraine Moves Forward
In a significant move, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has passed the first reading of a draft law that aims to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP), a branch of the church that is supported by the Kremlin. The bill, which had the support of 267 deputies, marks a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to distance itself from Russian influence.
The draft law received the highest number of votes from members of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party, Servant of the People, with 175 of them in favor. However, for the law to take effect, it must still go through a second reading and be signed by President Zelensky.
The UOC-MP has long been viewed as having close ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and, consequently, has been criticized for being a fifth column in Russia’s alleged war of aggression against Ukraine. This perception has fueled support for the draft law among Ukrainian lawmakers and citizens alike.
If the law is passed, it would have immediate consequences for the UOC-MP. According to Ukraine’s culture and information minister, Oleksandr Tkachenko, the church would have to cease using the property of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve within three days. This historic site, which includes the Monastery of the Caves, holds immense spiritual and historical importance for Ukraine.
The move to ban the UOC-MP is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to assert its independence from Russia. It comes at a time when tensions between the two countries remain high, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Critics of the draft law argue that it infringes on religious freedom and could further divide communities in Ukraine. They believe that religious affairs should be separate from political considerations and that the decision to ban a specific church should not be based on its alleged ties to a foreign power.
However, proponents of the draft law argue that it is necessary to protect Ukraine’s national security and sovereignty. They believe that the UOC-MP’s affiliation with the Russian-backed ROC undermines Ukraine’s independence and perpetuates divisions within the country.
As the draft law moves toward its second reading, the question of its ultimate impact on Ukraine’s religious landscape and relationship with Russia remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is clear that the issue of the UOC-MP has become a point of contention in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for independence and identity.