Bečić: Let us not repeat the time when attempts were made to prohibit a bishop from being enthroned in his Church

Let us never repeat the time when attempts were made to prohibit a religious leader from being enthroned in his Church, said Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy and President of the Democratic Montenegro (Democrats).

He announced that, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the enthronement of the Montenegrin-Littrian Joanikije, he sends "sincere congratulations to the Metropolitan, the clergy, the monastic community and all the faithful."

"Let this day be a reminder of the values ​​of peace, dignity, forgiveness and mutual respect, which Montenegro needs today more than ever. And may we never again experience a time when attempts were made to prohibit a religious leader from being enthroned in his Church. Freedom of religion is not a privilege that any government gives or takes away, but a constitutional and civilizational right of every person," Bečić emphasized in a statement provided by the Democrats.

He added that our country is strong when each of its citizens freely preserves their religion, identity and tradition, with full respect for others and those who are different.

"I wish Metropolitan Joanikije good health, wisdom and strength to continue his spiritual mission in the service of peace, harmony and unity among people," said Bečić.