An initiative group of Orthodox Christians calls on the Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and all Moldova, His Holiness Vladimir to take steps to keep and defend the Orthodox values. In a news conference at IPN, members of the group said that the Metropolitan Bishop gave up dealing with the misunderstandings between the state and the church. If he feels unable to defend the Christian society, His Holiness Vladimir is urged to admit this and to look for a post that is closer to his soul.
The initiative group referred to the Law on Gender Equality, which was neither modified, nor repealed, though the Christians repeatedly asked for this. According to activist Mihail Lupashko, the Christians are losing their confidence in the Orthodox Church because the Metropolitan Bishop, who is the leader of the Orthodox Christians in Moldova, does not take action.
“After the authorities threatened they will impose taxes on churches, the Metropolitan Church yielded and accepted compromises,” said Mihail Lupashko. He added that the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill is expected to visit Chisinau in autumn and the Christians should make sure that he finds out what is going on.
The chairman of the Anticorruption Council “Moldova Mea” Igor Caldare said the discussion between the Metropolitan Church and the authorities about the Law on Gender Equality was a formal one. The Metropolitan Church was blackmailed by the authorities immediately after the Synod of the Orthodox Church issued a statement, saying the rulers will not be given communion.
The members of the initiative group made several recommendations to His Holiness Vladimir. “He should not give up and should not renounce the May 19 decision of the Synod. Until there is time, he should become involved so as to obtain the removal of the phrase ‘sexual minorities’ from the law,” stated Igor Caldare.
The Law on Gender Equality, which aroused the indignation of organizations of Orthodox Christians, was passed by Parliament last May. The Christians demand eliminating the phrase ‘sexual minorities’ from the law”.
