The Presidency of the Forum of Armenian Unions of Europe has initiated an initiative group for the protection of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Christianity in Armenia.
We present our statement, approved by the members of the group. With deep concern, we are witnessing a number of developments taking place in Armenia, which are a direct challenge to the Armenian Apostolic Church and its spiritual leader, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. In recent months, the actions of the RA government have created an atmosphere of hostility and pressure towards the Church. High-ranking clergymen, two archbishops and one bishop, priests, as well as respected philanthropists and journalists were arrested on false charges.
We are witnessing illegal actions directed against religious freedom and the Constitution in Armenia. The encroachments against the spiritual and historical heart of the Mother Church of Holy Etchmiadzin, the first Christian nation in the world, are very disturbing.
Considering the seriousness of these developments, we appeal to those individuals whose moral authority and public position can contribute to the mission of the Church, its spiritual leadership and the protection of the basic values of Christianity in Armenia and throughout the world, with a call: to condemn the illegal steps taken by the RA authorities.
