Belarusian Orthodox Church prohibits its clergy from participating in protests
Moscow, August 21, Interfax – The Belarusian Orthodox Church called on the clergy to refrain from participating in political life and urged its flock not to follow provocations amid the events taking place in the country.
“We are again reminding the clergymen about the promise they gave before God not to participate in the political life of society, not to be a temptation and an object of people’s division,” the synodal department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church said in a release issued on Friday.
According to the report, the Orthodox Church “believes it is not consistent with its mission to call for participation or non-participation in political rallies, but it strongly condemns all types of violence, fanning hatred and intolerance against anyone, doctors, police, teachers, authorities, or some other social groups.”
The document says the Belarusian Orthodox Church hopes that the relevant bodies will investigate “outrageous situations of cruelty” and contains a call for speedy restoration of peace, unity and mutual understanding. Besides, it states that special requests and prayers are said in all Orthodox churches and monasteries of Belarus during liturgies “for the people of Belarus.” The church calls on all Orthodox Christians of Belarus and everyone who cares about the future of the republic to join this prayer.
“As to participation in public life and issues relating to the expression of people’s will, we are asking everyone to be reasonable so that our faith, trust in God and church symbols are not used by anyone ass an instrument for achieving political or other earthly goals that are far from the high spiritual and moral ideals that the world’s Savior Jesus Christ and His Holy Church are preaching to us,” the statement said.
“Take care of yourself and those who are dear to you, don’t follow to provocations, evil calls and promises, but act according to the evangelical moral law and the legislation of the Republic of Belarus in all deeds,” the document said.
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