In the first reading, the Verkhovna Rada approved the project to ban the UOC
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The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Thursday in the first reading approved the bill, which provides for a ban on the activity of religious organizations connected with Russia in the country. According to the authorities of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (formerly the Moscow Patriarchate), the largest Christian church in the country, falls under this definition.
After the Russian large-scale invasion of Ukraine, this church declared its independence from the Russian Orthodox Church, but did not formally declare itself autocephalous.
The authorities of Ukraine believe that the church has not severed ties with Moscow. Criminal cases have recently been initiated against a number of its priests and hierarchs on charges related to their support for Russia.
Formally, the draft law does not indicate that it is directed against the UOC. In the accompanying documentation, it is indicated that the authors consider the document not to contradict the European integration of Ukraine and not to violate human rights.
“The draft law will allow citizens of Ukraine to realize the right to freedom of belief and religion guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine,” the text says.
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