There is an element of discrimination in the appointment of UAOC bishop as Advisor to the Minister of Defence, – expert

There is an element of discrimination against the other denominations on religious grounds in the appointment of a UAOC bishop as Advisor to the Minister of Defence, says Ruslan Bortnik, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Policy Analysis and Management.

"Of course, in the army there must be a chaplain to support military people and help them stay in the religious and Christian communion. The choice to appoint one person from one particular denomination looks like discrimination, especially because in Ukraine this Orthodox Church is not dominant. We should not appoint a person with such a pronounced religious affiliation", the analyst believes.

Ruslan Bortnik is sure that the manifestation of democracy in the society could be, for example, the appointment of representatives of all religious denominations in Ukraine as the Minister of Defence Advisor on religious affairs.

"And so this is a definite sign for the society that the Ministry of Defence singles out one of the denominations. Especially since the church is separated from the state, the state authorities cannot so demonstratively show their likes and dislikes," said Ruslan Bortnik.

August 17, UAOC Bishop Vladimir Cherpak was appointed Advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine on religious affairs.

Read also