Ukraine is forced into the abyss of religious conflict, – expert

Today there is a hidden pressure to completely ban or prevent the presence of communities of the UOC in the territory of certain localities. This was said by Archpriest Oleg Tochinsky responsible for the settlement of interfaith conflicts in the Volyn region at the round table "Legislative regulation of religious sphere in Ukraine: current problems and challenges".

The representative of the UOC noted that over the last three years the Volyn region has been in the state of minor interfaith conflict. Over the past two years three churches have been seized and attempts have been made to commit such acts in other settlements. At present, trials are still proceeding. The clergy of the UOC, together with the families, have often been evicted from their homes without giving them a viable alternative.

"We often turn to European practice, but sometimes it is necessary to look at the existing Ukrainian laws as they were written and designed to keep peace in the country: not only internal and social, but also religious one, – says Oleg Tochinsky. Each religious organization should have the right to act within the framework of their internal rules. The law provides that the state of Ukraine has no right to interfere in these rules and rewrite them. But in the new bills №№ 4511 and 4128 we see the desire to disrupt this state of affairs".

The priest noted that in Volyn now we can often see local authorities initiate holding referendums on the basis of which a church goes to another denomination. According to the responsible for the settlement of interfaith conflicts in the Volyn region, this situation is unacceptable.

"And this is especially true today, when there is an impression that Ukraine is forced into the abyss of permanent conflicts – concluded Archpriest Oleg Tochinsky.

The round table was held on 8 September under the auspices of the inter-factional association "Deputy association of reforming the tax, customs and land legislation of Ukraine".