World Council of Churches Statement on the Inadmissibility of Collective Punishment of Religious Groups in Ukraine and Concerns Regarding the Law Banning the UOC

Statement of the World Council of Churches (WCC) on the Inadmissibility of Collective Punishment of Religious Groups in Ukraine and Concerns Regarding the Law Banning the UOC

On August 24, 2024, the World Council of Churches issued a statement expressing concerns regarding Draft Law No. 8317, which would later be adopted as Law of Ukraine No. 3984, known as the "Law Banning the UOC," and recalled the inadmissibility of the practice of collective punishment on religious grounds.

The document was signed by

WCC General Secretary Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay

and WCC Moderator Bishop Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm.

(Source: World Council of Churches)

The WCC expressed deep concern over the potential for unjustified collective punishment of an entire religious community and the violation of the principles of freedom of religion or belief under the new law approved by the Verkhovna Rada on August 20, 2024.

"We call again on the Ukrainian government to exercise caution in relation to measures that risk violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and undermining social cohesion at this time of national emergency."

The WCC notes the six-step process prescribed by the new law before a religious organization can be banned, and calls for a fair and unbiased approach to any such investigation.

"Neither the crimes of some individuals, nor the historical affiliations of a particular religious entity, can be a sufficient basis for measures tantamount to collective punishment of a living worshipping religious community in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is responsible for protecting the rights of all its citizens."

Full original text:

The government of Ukraine has the sovereign right and responsibility to defend the nation's territorial integrity and to protect its citizens, even more so in the face of Russia's illegal invasion and armed aggression. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has consistently condemned Russia's war against Ukraine, and we remain steadfast in that position. Ukrainian authorities have a right to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, and to prosecute individuals guilty of crimes against the interests of Ukraine.

At the same time, the WCC is deeply alarmed by the potential for unjustified collective punishment of an entire religious community and violation of the principles of freedom of religion or belief under a new law approved by the Ukrainian Rada on 20 August 2024. The new law now awaits the signature of President Zelensky. We call again on the Ukrainian government to exercise caution in relation to measures that risk violating the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief and undermining social cohesion at this time of national emergency.

We note the six-step process prescribed by the new law before a religious organisation can be banned, and plead that there be a fair and unbiased approach to any such investigation, and that due consideration be given to the principles of international law, natural justice and due process in undertaking any actions under this new law. Neither the crimes of some individuals, nor the historical affiliations of a particular religious entity, can be a sufficient basis for measures tantamount to collective punishment of a living worshipping religious community in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is responsible for protecting the rights of all its citizens.

Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay

General secretary

World Council of Churches

Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm

Moderator

World Council of Churches