MP: Yes, the pope made a mistake, but the enemies are still in the UOC

Mykola Kniazhytsky in the Rada. Photo: Facebook page of Kniazhytsky

Mykola Kniazhytsky, the author of the bill prohibiting the UOC, referred to the Pope's statements about "Mother Russia" as erroneous but stated that Catholics cannot be held responsible for the actions of their pontiff. Kniazhytsky, the lawmaker behind the bill aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, deemed the Pope's approving words about Russian imperialism as "erroneous." However, he also emphasized that he still considers the UOC an enemy. He made these remarks in a Facebook post.

According to Kniazhytsky, the Pope is chosen by bishops, not the Church itself, and these bishops "can make mistakes, just like the elected Pope." He argued that only pseudo-charismatic authoritarian sects, masquerading as charismatic churches, equate the church with its leader. He stressed that the principle of collective responsibility should not be applied to all Catholics. He pointed out that the leaders of the US, Poland, and Lithuania, all of whom support Ukraine, are Catholics.

Furthermore, the lawmaker quoted the "disagreement" expressed by the head of the UGCC, Shevchuk, in response to the Pope's statements.

In Kniazhytsky's view, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church remain "Ukrainian churches of the Kyivan Baptism," and the state should do everything possible to support their development.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCU urged Greek Catholics to break away from Rome's authority.

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