Bulgarian Parliament Moves to Safeguard Unity of the Bulgarian orthodox Church
In a decisive move to preserve the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC),the Bulgarian Parliament has adopted three draft amendments to the Law on Religious Denominations with overwhelming support. The proposed changes, submitted by GERB, BSP, and “Vazrazhdane”, aim to reinforce the BOC’s status as the sole representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria, while addressing concerns over potential schisms within the Church.
The amendments come in response to a controversial decision by the Supreme Court of Cassation on December 16, which allowed the registration of a new religious institution under the name “Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church”. this decision, aligned with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, sparked widespread debate and concern among political and religious leaders.
Key Provisions of the Draft Laws
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The draft laws introduced by GERB, lead by Boyko Borisov, explicitly state that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian patriarchate is the only recognized representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria. According to the proposal, ”the BOC is established according to the canons of the Ecumenical Church and is the conventional Orthodox religion as per the constitutional norm.” Registered denominations are free to define their identities but must clearly distinguish themselves from the legally recognized BOC.
Similarly, the BSP bill emphasizes that the BOC is part of the Universal Church, with its unity rules recognized under the Constitution and Canon law.Other denominations may register but are prohibited from using the BOC’s name. The BSP has also proposed a two-month grace period for existing denominations to comply with the new naming requirements.Meanwhile, “Vazrazhdane” has introduced a provision that eliminates the possibility of registering more than one Orthodox church as a legal entity using the term “Orthodox” in its name.
Overwhelming Parliamentary Support
The draft laws garnered meaningful support in the National Assembly. The proposals from GERB-SDS and BSP each received 176 votes in favor, while the “Vazrazhdane” bill was backed by 140 deputies.This strong bipartisan consensus underscores the political commitment to preserving the unity of the BOC and preventing any attempts to fragment the Church.
Reactions from Political and Religious Leaders
The Supreme Court’s decision to register the Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church has drawn sharp criticism from Bulgaria’s political leadership. Both the Prime Minister and the president, along with most parliamentary parties, have reaffirmed their support for the BOC’s constitutional status. They have condemned the move as an attempt to create a schism within the Church by allowing the duplication of its name.
As of now, the Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church remains unregistered by the Registration Agency due to incomplete documentation. Justice Minister Maria Pavlova explained that the 14-day window for appealing the decision expires soon, adding another layer of urgency to the parliamentary amendments.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Proposed Changes | Amendments to the law on Religious Denominations to protect BOC unity. |
| Main Proponents | GERB, BSP, and “vazrazhdane”. |
| Key Provisions | Recognition of BOC as sole representative of Eastern Orthodoxy; naming restrictions for other denominations. |
| Votes in Parliament | GERB-SDS and BSP: 176 votes; “Vazrazhdane”: 140 votes. |
| Trigger for Amendments | Supreme Court decision to register ”Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church”. |
| Current Status | New church remains unregistered due to incomplete documents. |
A Unified Stand Against Schism
The parliamentary action reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the Bulgarian Orthodox Church‘s historical and constitutional role in bulgarian society. By reinforcing the BOC’s status and addressing potential challenges to its unity, the amendments aim to prevent divisions within the Church and uphold its traditional role as a cornerstone of Bulgarian identity.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the BOC’s unity is preserved, while respecting the legal framework and the rights of other religious denominations. The coming weeks will be crucial as the amendments move through the legislative process, shaping the future of religious freedom and unity in Bulgaria.
Preserving Unity: Bulgarian Parliament Takes Action to Protect teh Bulgarian Orthodox church
In a landmark decision, the Bulgarian Parliament has moved to safeguard the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) by adopting three draft amendments to the Law on Religious Denominations. These amendments, proposed by major political parties including GERB, BSP, and “Vazrazhdane”, aim to reinforce the BOC’s constitutional status as the sole representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria. The move comes in response to a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing the registration of a new religious institution under the name “Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church”, which has sparked widespread debate and concern.
To delve deeper into the implications of these amendments and their broader significance, we sat down with Dr.Elena petrova,a renowned expert in religious law and constitutional studies,to discuss the political,legal,and societal dimensions of this pivotal moment.
The Legal Framework: What Do the Amendments Entail?
Senior Editor: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us. Could you start by explaining the key provisions of these draft laws and how they aim to protect the BOC’s unity?
Dr. Petrova: Certainly. The amendments introduced by GERB, BSP, and “Vazrazhdane” are designed to solidify the BOC’s position as the only recognized representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria. As an example, GERB’s proposal explicitly states that the BOC is established according to the canons of the Ecumenical Church and is the conventional Orthodox religion as per the constitutional norm. This means that while other denominations can register, they must clearly distinguish themselves from the BOC and cannot use its name or claim to represent Eastern Orthodoxy.
The BSP’s bill goes further by emphasizing that the BOC is part of the Worldwide Church, with its unity rules recognized under both the Constitution and Canon law. They’ve also proposed a two-month grace period for existing denominations to comply with these new naming requirements. Simultaneously occurring, “Vazrazhdane” has introduced a provision that eliminates the possibility of registering more than one Orthodox church as a legal entity using the term “Orthodox” in its name. These measures collectively aim to prevent any fragmentation or schism within the Church.
Political Consensus: Why Such Overwhelming Support?
Senior Editor: The draft laws received significant bipartisan support,with GERB-SDS and BSP each securing 176 votes in favor,and “Vazrazhdane” garnering 140 votes. What does this level of consensus tell us about the political commitment to preserving the BOC’s unity?
Dr. Petrova: The overwhelming support reflects a rare moment of political unity in Bulgaria, where the BOC is seen not just as a religious institution but as a cornerstone of national identity. the Church has historically played a central role in shaping Bulgarian culture, traditions, and even the nation’s resilience during challenging times. By reinforcing the BOC’s status,lawmakers are sending a clear message that they view its unity as integral to the country’s social and cultural fabric.
This bipartisan consensus also underscores the widespread concern over the Supreme Court’s decision to register the “Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church.” Many see this as an attempt to create a schism within the Church, which could have far-reaching consequences for both religious and national unity. The amendments are a proactive measure to address these concerns and prevent any potential fragmentation.
the Supreme Court Decision: A Catalyst for Change?
Senior Editor: The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the registration of the “Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church” has been widely criticized. How has this decision influenced the parliamentary response?
Dr. Petrova: The Supreme Court’s decision was undoubtedly a catalyst for these amendments. By allowing the registration of a new religious institution under a name so closely resembling the BOC, the Court inadvertently opened the door to potential confusion and division. This decision, aligned with the European Court of human Rights, has been interpreted by many as a challenge to the BOC’s constitutional status.
In response, the Bulgarian Parliament has acted swiftly to close this legal loophole. The amendments aim to clarify that the BOC is the sole representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in Bulgaria and that no other denomination can use its name or claim to represent the same tradition. This legislative action is a direct response to the concerns raised by the Supreme Court’s decision and reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the Church’s unity.
Religious and Societal Implications: What’s at Stake?
Senior Editor: Beyond the legal and political dimensions, what are the broader implications of these amendments for Bulgarian society and religious freedom?
Dr. Petrova: The amendments strike a delicate balance between preserving the BOC’s unity and respecting the rights of other religious denominations. On one hand, they reinforce the Church’s ancient and constitutional role, which is deeply intertwined with Bulgarian identity. On the other hand, they ensure that other denominations can still register and practice their faith, provided they do not infringe on the BOC’s name or status.
However, this issue also highlights the broader challenges of navigating religious freedom in a pluralistic society. While the amendments aim to prevent schisms within the Church, they must also be carefully implemented to avoid infringing on the rights of other religious groups. The coming weeks will be crucial as the amendments move through the legislative process, and it will be important to monitor how they are received by both the BOC and other denominations.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the BOC and Bulgaria?
Senior Editor: As the amendments progress, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities ahead?
Dr. Petrova: The immediate challenge is ensuring that the amendments are implemented effectively and fairly. This will require clear interaction and cooperation between the government, the BOC, and other religious groups. There is also the question of how the “Bulgarian Orthodox Old Style Church” will respond, as their registration remains uncompleted due to incomplete documentation.
Looking ahead, these amendments represent an possibility to reaffirm the BOC’s role as a unifying force in Bulgarian society while also setting a precedent for how religious freedom and unity can coexist.The outcome of this legislative process will not only shape the future of the BOC but also set the tone for how Bulgaria navigates the complex interplay between religion, law, and national identity in the years to come.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that these amendments are a significant step in preserving the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and addressing the challenges posed by the Supreme Court’s decision.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for Bulgaria, and I’m hopeful that these measures will help safeguard the Church’s unity while respecting the principles of religious freedom.
