Declaration of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church regarding the violence against Rom (Gypsy) Camps in various regions of Ukraine

In the name of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church I strongly condemn these acts. These type of actions – regardless of who committed them and what slogans these criminals used to justify themselves – are unworthy of a European nation and harmful to the independent Ukrainian State. Therefore, they only favour the cause of Ukraine’s enemies.

Everyone who lives in our Country, regardless of ethnic origins or religion, must be considered a fully respected citizen of the Ukrainian State. The government must defend their rights and freedoms, above all: the right to life, safety, and free expression.

I call upon civic authorities to perform a transparent and impartial investigation, in order to identify the identities of the criminals that must be punished according to existing law. I call upon all citizens of Ukraine to strongly oppose this kind of behaviour which is absolutely opposed to Christian morals and human laws.

Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us: “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mt 22:39) and, therefore, citing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, He explained that our neighbour is whoever is in need of our help. In this important and decisive period of our history, may the Law of God serve as the foundation of the construction of our common home: a free and independent Ukraine!

+ Sviatoslav