Radulović: The Law on Freedom of Religion is modern, it is not good that Orthodoxy is misused for political purposes

As an Orthodox theologian, I do not see anything controversial in the Law on Freedom of Religion, nor that it conflicts with the canons and events of faith.

This is what the priest of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Milan Radulović, stated in a letter to the Government of Montenegro, as announced by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.

The Ministry for Human and Minority Rights stated that Radović sent the letter to the Government "due to the increasingly intense (mis)use of Orthodoxy in Montenegro for political purposes".

"Orthodox theologian, Prof. Dr. Milan Radulović, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Duško Marković, the Deputy Prime Minister, Zoran Pažin, and the Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Mehmed Zenka, referred to the adopted Law on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Legal Status of Religious community, to the government's dialogue with the dioceses of the Orthodox Church and especially to the open participation of the church in the elections. His address has a special weight because at the beginning of this year he spoke at a gathering after the procession in Herceg Novi, where he said then as now that the Orthodox Church has no place in politics," the announcement states.

The Ministry also forwarded the letter sent by Radulović, which we are transcribing in its entirety:

"I carefully follow the events in the Orthodox world and I am glad that Montenegro has adopted a modern Law on Freedom of Religion that stands firmly on international standards.

I especially welcome the determination of the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights to show respect for all religious communities and their authorities.

The constant commitment of the Montenegrin Government to dialogue contributes to the elimination of all possible doubts and establishes a higher degree of mutual agreement. I especially want to encourage the Government of Montenegro in its efforts to overcome any possible misunderstanding of the Orthodox dioceses in Montenegro regarding the law on freedom of religion.

As an Orthodox theologian, I do not see anything controversial in the law, nor that it conflicts with the canons and facts of faith. The law is modern and as such requires a modern approach of every religious denomination, to be registered, but even those who do not want to, can also, without restrictions, operate on the territory of Montenegro. Thus, I recognized that the Law on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Legal Status of Religious Communities was adopted in order to prevent any discrimination in Montenegro and enable everyone to have equal rights.

It is not good that Orthodoxy, anywhere in the world, is abused for political purposes. It can be especially dangerous and worrisome if in civil and multicultural societies, such as Montenegro, the influence of the religious right and religious exclusivity strengthens and grows. Orthodox priests, anywhere in the world, have the responsibility to joyfully and consistently serve God and people. It is up to us to keep the doors of the Church open to everyone and to accept all people as God created them. We have no right to spread hatred in the name of God because God does not hate anyone. Representing the alleged and non-existent hatred of God only turns people away from the true faith and leads them away from our temples.

Religion has no place in politics. Religion should be withdrawn from the political sphere. Political and right-wing demagoguery, no matter how many times it is repeated, is not and will never be Orthodox Christianity. Church and state are separated and should stay that way. Nobody must abuse Orthodoxy against the state and pretend that it is superior to the state. It is up to citizens to freely choose their political leaders and representatives. Orthodox priests should not interfere in this. Abuse and manipulation of feelings and faith in order to change the government anywhere in the Orthodox world is not the mission and responsibility of Orthodox bishops and priests. Preferring certain political parties and warning believers not to vote for them is dangerous. It can also be disastrous for democracy. The distorted moral narrative must not be the image of Orthodox priests who deliberately misjudge and misrepresent political reality. Power in a democratic society should be won without abusing the Orthodox clergy. Priests participate in elections only as voters, if they want to exercise that civil right. The use of religion for political purposes is to the detriment of religion itself, because in the end it can be recognized as an attempt to gain power and rule religion over the state. It is especially important for the Orthodox clergy to be responsible and wise, and to take care that nationalist sentiments are not reactivated through Orthodoxy.

The free exercise of religion is a powerful human right. The Montenegrin law on freedom of religion guarantees, affirms and encourages it. That law highlights the importance of faith in a person's life. There are no restrictions on the free exercise of religion, regardless of the status of any religious community.

Above all, I appreciate the Government's effort to reach an agreement with all Orthodox dioceses, where goodwill and, above all, Christian ethics are shown in overcoming differences over disputed parts of the law.

In the end, please accept respect for the work of all of you and all-round engagement in the betterment of the life and work of all citizens of Montenegro," reads Radulović's letter forwarded by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.