Yelensky set to create a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at MFA

Yelensky speaking at Kyiv StratCom Forum 2024. Photo: Kyiv StratCom Forum

The Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, has advocated for the establishment of a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the department's website.

Yelensky stated that a similar position exists in other countries. He also emphasized the need to convey Ukraine's point of view to various religious organizations abroad to increase support for Ukraine.

In additon, the DESS head noted that the model of state-church and religious-community relations in Ukraine is unique for Europe. "In Ukraine, all religions and Churches are equal before the law, and representatives of different faiths hold the highest positions in the state," he reiterated.

As reported by the UOJ, UOC lawyer Robert Amsterdam stated that "before Mr. Yelenskyi's tenure as the Head of State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs, the UOC was guaranteed the right to practice their faith free from harm and harassment," but with his arrival, "all this changed."

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