Church body urges restraint in Armenian church conflict

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called upon the Armenian government to respect religious freedom and has expressed “deep concern” concerning the arrest of senior clergy and other law enforcement actions.

Relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the federal government are currently strained. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was arrested on charges of encouraging the overthrow of the federal government by undemocratic means.

Armenian prosecutors point to various statements made by the archbishop appearing to call for a coup. In one he told News.am, “I called for a coup to save lots of the country from this madman, they will not be saving it, also they are guilty of all this. This is just not only a call, it have to be done.”

As well as arresting senior clergy, Armenian security forces have carried out various law enforcement actions on the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that he’s attempting to save lots of the church from “anti-Christian” and “anti-state” groups that it’s claimed have taken over the church.

In an announcement the WCC said it stood with the Armenian Apostolic Church, noting its “unique and revered place within the spiritual, cultural, and historical lifetime of the Armenian people”.

“Reports of force getting used inside sacred spaces and the detention of clergy raise significant concerns concerning the protection of non secular freedom, the sanctity of worship, and the autonomy of non secular institutions,” it said. 

The WCC called upon the federal government to respect the rights of non secular leaders and to make sure they receive the advantages of due process. Both parties were also encouraged to resolve their differences via “open and constructive dialogue”.

“We proceed to hope for wisdom and discernment amongst Armenia’s leaders, for the well-being of its clergy and faithful, and for a resolution grounded in justice, peace, and respect for all,” it said.