The government intends to work through issues of state-church relations in Ukraine: the conclusion reached at a meeting between Yulia Tymoshenko and leaders of confessions

On July 13, 2009, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko met with members of All Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious organizations. She told them the government was willing to work through questions of state church relations. Among them, the head of government commented on a proposal to reduce payments on natural gas and public utilities for religious organizations. Tymoshenko also mentioned that, in the coming weeks, the government will introduce legislation to the parliament concerning the return of former cult buildings to religious organizations. More information on this can be found at the Institute for Religious Freedom. Yulia Tymoshenko confirmed that the government is working to resolve the issue of payment for public utilities by churches, at prices set for the general population. The price of natural gas for Churches and religious organizations has been disputed, because it is believed that NAK “Naftogaz Ukraine” can lower its price for natural gas.  Thus, the Minister of Fuel and Energy of Ukraine, Yuriy Prodan, told the confession leaders at the meeting that his Ministry is strongly considering the possibility of reducing the natural gas rate for religious organizations. “This is a central issue for churches and cult buildings, and that is why we will do what we can to resolve it quickly,” emphasized Yulia Tymoshenko to the spiritual leaders. The Prime minister also informed them that the government would take into consideration a decrease in taxes for religious organizations. In particular, she mentioned the possibility of decreasing taxes and simplifying customs registration for religious literature that is brought into Ukraine. The head of the government said that communication between representatives of religious organizations and officials and representatives of state institutions must be facilitated. She declared that her office has always paid attention to comments or questions made by representatives of religious organizations. “If you, as the spiritual leaders of confessions, feel comfortable, then it follows that Ukrainian society will also feel comfortable and protected,” remarked Yulia Tymoshenko. She reminded the participants of the meeting that the government sponsors a special commission that is centered around ensuring the rights of religious organizations. This commission is lead by vice-Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk. Additionally, three ministries – Education and Science, Healthcare as well as Defense – have special public councils that strive for cooperation with religious groups. “Work in this area continues as communication strengthens between all involved parties,” explained the Prime Minister.  Yulia Tymoshenko remarked that in the coming weeks, the government will be deliberating legislation to return cult buildings to religious organizations, details of which have already been developed in “Derzhkomnacreligiy”. According to her, by the end of this year, nearly 200 cult buildings will be returned to the Church.   “All confessions, without exception, will be equally supported and protected as much as possible by the government,” the Prime Minister commented during the meeting. Towards the end of the meeting, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko thanked the representatives of churches and religious organizations for their protection of Ukraine through prayer. “I want to thank you, that in such difficult times – time of crisis, time of political upheaval– you pray for Ukraine, for the people of Ukraine, that you send your prayers to the Lord,” she said to the representatives. This was the third meeting between Yulia Tymoshenko and the All Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious organizations. The previous meeting took place on April 11, 2008, which initiated a deeper dialogue between confessions and the state.

www.irs.in.ua

Translated by the Information Department of the UGCC