Ukraine Passes Bill 8371 Banning Russian-Linked Orthodox Church, Approved by 265 Lawmakers

Aug 20, 2024, 11:28 AM

The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law, bill number 8371, banning religious organizations linked to Russia, specifically targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). This decision, approved by 265 lawmakers, is aimed at severing ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and countering Russian influence in Ukraine. The law will take effect 30 days after its publication, with a provision allowing UOC-MP communities nine months to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Moscow Patriarchate condemned the move as unlawful. The legislation has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a necessary step for national security, while others criticize it as an infringement on religious freedom.