On the website of the US State Department appeared the press release, which announced the official position of the authorities concerning the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This question has recently been actively discussed in the world.
Washington believes that the Ukrainian believers and religious leaders have every right to decide their future independently. The document, signed by the press Secretary of the state Department, noted: autocephaly is the legitimate right of the country.
Heather Nauert said that the US fully supported the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. She called him a voice of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
«The United States strongly supports freedom of religion, including the freedom of members of religious groups to manage religious process in accordance with their own convictions, and with no state intervention,» the statement said.
Heather Nauert said that the US fully supported the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Department of State
In the US State Department also noted that U.S. authorities consistently support Ukraine, defending its territorial integrity and right to self-determination. This is especially important nowadays, when the Russian aggression in the East and occupation of Crimea continue to violate international law.
«We support Ukraine as it charts its own path and makes its own decisions, free from outside interference,» — said the state Department.
Earlier, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I issued orders to begin the process of granting autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. To do this, two of the exarchs appointed responsible for the implementation process. Representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarch were Bishop Hilarion of Edmonton Canada and Daniel Pamphylian from the United States.
The Russian Orthodox Church, in turn, reacted negatively to this step. The ROC has promised to sever ties with Constantinople and said that Patriarch Bartholomew I intruding on her canonical territory.
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