Patriarch Lubomyr talks about the steps to achieve Christian unity

A national conference on “The Essence and Manifestations of Interdenominational Relations in Ukraine” will take place in Kyiv from November 30 through December 1, 2010. The conference was organized by the State Committee on Nationalities and Religions, the Religious Studies Department of the Institute of Philosophy of Skovoroda National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Drahomanov National Pedagogical University, and Ukrainian Association of Religions Experts. At the conference, the head of the UGCC, Patriarch Lubomyr, stressed the need of such meetings but expressed reservations about the subject. In his view, it should focus on a particular issue. Speaking about the establishment of relations between the state and the church, the patriarch said that it should be based on concept that would normalize all the relationships between the state and churches. “The concept should be designed so that the parliament will adopt it and regulate these relations.” In addition, Patriarch Lubomyr expressed his regret for the unequal treatment of churches and religious organizations in Ukraine. The head of UGCC also commented on restitution. According to him, the discussion restitution is limited to sacred buildings. “But so much more was taken from the churches. It should be noted that we no longer have the financial means that we once had, which were forcefully taken away by the state. The state should consider this issue (but I’m not saying that this should happen over the next year).” The head of the church positively assessed the relationship between different faiths and religious organizations in Ukraine, citing the example of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. The patriarch also spoke about the relationship of the Catholic Church with the Orthodox Churches. "I think that our desire to unify is too weak. We are not prepared to sacrifice much in order to reach that real Christian unity. This applies to all sides. We know that there is work committee for the unity between Catholics and Orthodox, but all conversations are taking place by priests and bishops. I think the main task today for all of us – Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants – is to awaken the desire of unity in the nation.”

Information Department of the UGCC