Published on November 26, 2023, 6:23 am

Image source: Fox News

Concerns have risen over Ukraine’s handling of religious rights, especially for churches with connections to Russia, according to the United Nations. The organization details restrictions and safety threats posed to religious communities not only within Ukraine but also within Russian-occupied territories.

Growing tensions are evident between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This was highlighted by Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a U.N. Security Council meeting last week.

Since February of last year, ten cases of physical violence and six cases involving threatened violence between various Orthodox communities have been documented by the OHCHR. The response from Ukrainian law enforcement has been criticized as lacking and failing in adequately protecting members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to Kehris, proposed amendments from the Ukraine Parliament could potentially dissolve religious organizations linked with nations in conflict with Ukraine. She urged legislators to ensure these measures are proportionate, necessary and follow international human rights law.

In occupied territories where Russian Federation laws are being imposed, there are reported restrictions on religious minorities which include alleged torture cases against clergy members. Kehris stressed that all parties should respect international human rights law and uphold freedom of religion.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is allegedly facing moves towards its obliteration by Ukrainian authorities, according to Vakhtang Kipshidze from Moscow Patriarchate. He further claimed that believers who resist converting to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine are victims of rights violations.

This troubling scenario is made more complex as allegations arise suggesting Western Council members ignore violence and threats against Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. There were even counter-claims suggesting disinformation spread by Russia using the Council while justifying its invasion as a holy war.

Attention diversion tactics by Russia were also pointed out by representatives from Malta and France urging adherence to international law including Council resolution 2347 (2017) which declares attacking a religious site as a war crime.

Amid these claims and counterclaims, the United Nations reports nearly 10,000 civilian deaths and over 18,000 injuries in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion this year. A worsening humanitarian crisis is anticipated with the arrival of winter.

Bob Amsterdam of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church recently criticized the demeaning treatment of his denomination by the Ukrainian government. He pointed out political motivations behind these actions involving potentially Ukrainian politicians including President Volodymyr Zelensky leveraging the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for populist support.

The long-term impact on the leadership of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is severe. Elderly clerics face lengthy prison sentences while enduring accusations surrounding property theft, intimidation, unjust imprisonment of clerics and forced conscription on believers are becoming alarmingly frequent.

These events underscore how ongoing geo-political tensions can affect daily lives and particularly intimate aspects such as religion. The richness of our Christian worldview highlights that improving understanding and promoting dialogue are crucial towards diffusing such tense situations. As we continue to bear witness to real news as it unfolds, it is important to stay informed and critically engaged with trusted news sources.