The referendum will have done nothing to have diminished the risk of inter-ethnic violence.
Against this uncertain and volatile background, the Christian churches of Europe, through the Conference of European Churches, have been in contact with the All Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations, a body that includes Jewish and Muslim representatives as well as Christian churches. A letter signed by the present CEC president, known to many Members of your Lordships’ House as the recently retired Bishop of Guildford, expresses solidarity and support, urges an end to further polarisation in Ukrainian society and assures them that churches elsewhere in Europe are urging a democratic and diplomatic solution to the problems facing Ukraine. I know that Bishop Christopher Hill will be talking later this week to other European church leaders about how this solidarity and support can be given more tangible shape through the Conference of European Churches.
Even if this crisis has cast a Cold War shadow over Europe, it is important that we remain in dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church. That is not always an easy task given the Russian orthodox world view. I am encouraged that only last month the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of London met representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church to discuss the theological education of students from the Russian Orthodox Church here in the UK. However this crisis plays out, and I pray as I am sure many of us do for a speedy and peaceful resolution, it is important that we do not sanction measures that put such dialogue at risk.
I can’t even begin to count the number of errors in this piece beginning with his apparent recognition of the self proclaimed Kievyn Patriarchate as a legitimate part of the Orthodox Church. It is a schismatic sect that is not recognized by a single canonical Orthodox Church. Really, if you are going to comment on the internal affairs of the Orthodox Church (which are under considerable strain right now) one should at least try to ensure you know what you are talking about first.
Then there is this marvelous line…
[blockquote]Even if this crisis has cast a Cold War shadow over Europe, it is important that we remain in dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church. That is not always an easy task given the Russian orthodox world view. [/blockquote]
What world view would you be referring to my lord? Would it be the one that says that marriage is only between one man and one woman? Would it be a strict adherence to the Nicene Creed as also the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils and Holy Scripture? Would it be the rejection of the twin heresies of female ordination and pansexualism?
Perhaps this is a good place to stop. I have a bad habit of getting snarky when confronted by idiotic commentary.
AO – I don’t claim to know the ins and outs of these matters, but given your obviously biased comment previously about the Union of Brest your dismissive comment about those who compared Putin’s land grab in the Crimea to the Nazi land grab in Austria, and of Ukraine as a nation, I’m going to take your own commentary with a grain of salt too.
I don’t think it takes much to draw the conclusion that the leadership of the Russian Orthodox church are quick to back whatever Putin’s policies are. They will pay for this in terms of Christian witness at home and abroad. You said earlier some place that the true power of the Russian Orthodox resides in its monasteries. I hope you’re right. I hope they are keeping their hands out of this mess and praying and loving the people around them…