Press Release – April 12, 2022
For Immediate Release
OPAC STATEMENT ON PROPOSED EXPULSION OF
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
(New York, NY) – Although the Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC) categorically condemns the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church, and in particular Patriarch Kirill (Gundayev) for his cruel and unjustified support of the Putin-orchestrated invasion of Ukraine, we do not advocate for the expulsion of the Russian Orthodox Church from the World Council of Churches (WCC). OPAC sees a glimmer of honesty and truthfulness in some clergy brave enough to stand up to the current regime; and we hear the faint echoes of true Christian spirit from ordinary clergymen who are risking – perhaps their lives, by speaking up.
Rather than treat the entire Russian Orthodox Church as an agent of evil, we urge the WCC to call out Patriarch Kirill personally and to issue an official condemnation of his conduct and policies regarding Ukraine. Unlike some brave clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate, Kirill has decided to remain a servile creature of evil and to live in open betrayal and denial of Christ and His Church.
At the same time, OPAC will maintain a close surveillance of those brave clergy of the Russian Church who are standing up for their faith and for righteousness. We pray that they will not be subject to retaliation by Kirill and his minions, and if they are, OPAC is prepared to publicize any mistreatment of these true pastors and advocate for their benefit, as they stand up for peace and against this pitiless war of aggression.
Contact: Info@OrthodoxPac.org