Government adopts amendments to Chaplaincy Law
Chaplain. Photo: UOJ
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved changes to the Regulations on the Procedure for Issuing a Mandate for the Right to Carry Out Military Chaplaincy Activities, reports Taras Melnychuk, the Permanent Representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada.
According to Melnychuk, the regulation "On Amendments to Some Laws of Ukraine Regarding Ensuring the Rights of Servicemen and Policemen to Social Protection" has been adopted.
Now, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience has grounds to refuse chaplaincy mandates to a religious organization that is recognized as part of a religious organization whose governing center is located in a state recognized as having committed armed aggression against Ukraine and/or temporarily occupied part of the territory of Ukraine.
As the UOJ reported, in August 2023, the most mandates were issued to the OCU – 494. Of these, only 97 people, or 20%, are in the army. A similar situation exists with the UGCC. Out of 91 mandates, only 25 individuals serve as chaplains in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, priests of the UOC are not allowed to serve as chaplains on the front lines, while those from the OCU and UGCC are not willing to.
Read also
Ukraine plans to introduce a system of total surveillance over citizens
The Center for Joint Action believes that this system will allow law enforcement agencies to monitor any person anywhere, which is especially dangerous for critics of the government, opposition, and journalists.
SBU charges man with inciting religious hatred
It is reported that the suspect disseminated information on social media denying the legality of religious communities' activities.
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve decides to study and "protect" Lavra caves
Scientists announced they are seeking optimal conditions to protect this "historical cemetery."
A church built by persecuted UOC community burned down in Volyn
The burned church was built by the community to replace the one seized by the OCU supporters.
Poturaev: There are those in UOC who call for confrontation with the state
The head of the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada says that the UOC is ready to create provocations near churches for television footage.
Military medics thank UOC for evacuation vehicle
According to the medics, the vehicle will serve to save the lives of soldiers.