UGCC Head greeted USA with the presidential elections

Present at the meeting were:  Melanne, Verveer, U.S. Ambassador for Special Missions, John Tefft, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Justin Sosne, Department of State, Liz Zentos, Second Secretary of the Political Office of U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav also offered his sympathy and solidarity with U.S. citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

American officials asked the Church Head about the issue of freedom, particularly religious freedom. His Beatitude replied by summarizing the unique experience of the activities of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRU).   The Church Primate expressed his concern about changes in the law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” foreseen by the passing of the draft law № 10221.

During the meeting there was also discussion about elections in Ukraine, especially the taking advantage of clergy.  His Beatitude stated that UGCC, which stood outside of the political battles, is troubled by the attempts of various deputy candidates to use the authority of the Church for political purposes.  “We saw massive attempts of bribery, including priests” noted UGCC Head.  He also informed those gathered that UGCC is conducting an internal audit on abuses during the elections, which will be followed by appropriate action.

UGCC Departemnt of Information