The Ukraine President, in a historic move, has inked a law that officially prohibits Russia-linked religious groups, underscoring the ever-complicating relations between the two neighboring nations. This significant action is more than just a political move; it’s an effort to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and religious liberties.
Ever since Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, tensions between Ukraine and Russia have never fully subsided, and religion has often been at the heart of their disagreements. With the Orthodox Church being a central institution in both countries, the thin line between religious and political issues has frequently blurred, causing more friction between them.
The introduction of this law is heavily influenced by the schism that developed in 2018 within the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, leading to the formation of a new religious faction, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). The OCU subsequently gained recognition from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, further adding division bewteen the Moscow Patriarchate and the newly-formed OCU.
This new law essentially means religious organizations, including churches that pledge allegiance to an ‘aggressor state’, can no longer operate in Ukraine. An aggressor state according to Ukrainian law, is a nation that has either unlawfully seized or aims to seize territories of Ukraine and/or has been recognized by the Ukrainian parliament as carrying out armed aggression against Ukraine.
While Ukraine maintains that this law is in defense of their national security and religious independence, it may inadvertently amplify the already heated tension in the region. Critics argue that this move may be perceived as an encroachment on religious freedom, and a deviation from European norms.
The religious organizations affected by this new law are, for the most part, peripheral Russia-linked Orthodox Christian groups. Mainstream groups such as the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) are to an extent excluded, since, while it was initially under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church, it declared independence in response to Russia’s Crimea annexation in 2014.
In Ukraine, where religious diversity is part of the national character, this move could introduce a new facet to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia problem. While the newly-signed law is touted as a symbol of Ukraine’s autonomy and resilience against Russian influence, only time will tell how it may impact interfaith relations and diplomatic dialogues in the troubled region.
This move by Ukraine’s president signifies a defining moment in the history of both countries. It serves as a declaration of defence against perceived external threats, a bold proclamation of independence, and the continuation of a political and religious struggle that has far-reaching implications. It indeed marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s political history and a drastic shift in the religious landscape.
