German political analyst equates repressions against UOC to war crimes

The Walberberger Institute Conference in Bonn. Photo: UOJ

At the annual conference in Bonn, traditionally organized by the Walberberger Institute on the Catholic Day of Repentance and Prayer, Professor Manfred Spieker spoke out against the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). This was reported by the German branch of the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ).

“Among the many topics discussed at this conference, which primarily focused on the highly tense international situation, were the war in Ukraine, possibilities for its swift resolution, and a Christian perspective on the principle of the so-called ‘just war,’” wrote German UOJ journalists.

When a question was raised from the audience about whether the repressions of the Ukrainian authorities against the UOC could be justified by considerations of "military necessity," the conference participants responded negatively.

“The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Orthodox believers in Ukraine cannot in any way be justified by political reasons,” stated Professor Dr. Manfred Spieker, who served for more than 12 years as an advisor to the Pope in the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (Justitia et Pax). “Such actions, like war crimes, must be subjected to legal assessment. Religious freedom has a high priority and must not be restricted.”

The journalists noted that “the applause of the overwhelming majority of those present left no doubt about the conference participants’ stance on this issue.”

Reference from the German UOJ Editorial Team:
In Germany, the working group of the CDU parliamentary group called “Stephanus Circle” addresses the problem of global Christian persecution, investigates specific cases, and develops political responses to such excesses at a high political level.

It will be reminded that the UOJ has registered a new legal entity in Europe and has opened two branches: in Germany and Greece.

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