Foreign Ministry condemns obstacles to construction of Greek Catholic church in Bila Tserkva

"On the night of August 17 to August 18, 2018, in the city of Bila Tserkva, a group of culprits demolished a concrete fence at the site of the construction of a temple of the Nativity of Christ - the first temple of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the city. Condemning these unlawful actions that harm the international authority of our state, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expresses its protest and strongly opposes similar manifestations of inciting inter-religious hatred," the ministry said in a statement on August 20. 

The ministry believes that the purpose of this unlawful action is to sow fear and uncertainty not only among Greek Catholics, but also among the faithful of other denominations. 

The ministry said that it considered "this insidious attack as encroachment on the freedom of conscience and religion of all citizens."

The ministry expressed confidence that Ukrainian law enforcement agencies would make a proper assessment of this disgraceful act and take all necessary measures to bring to justice those who ordered and executed the crime.

A report posted on the UGCC's website says that a group of intruders in Bila Tserkva destroyed a site for the construction of the first temple of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the city.

Referring to well-informed sources, the church noted that the attack had been "committed by hired and organized criminals."

At the same time, the UGCC emphasizes that it has all legal permits for the construction of a temple in Bila Tserkva.

op