Republic

MINSK, 14 April (BelTA) – Secular and clerical authorities should become full-fledged partners, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with members of the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church on 14 April. The head of state said that the church plays an important role in maintaining interethnic and confessional peace, a respectful attitude towards the spiritual versatility of Belarus’ peoples. “Today your civil stance and pastor's message are supposed to contribute to enhancing the stability and calm in the society,” said Alexander Lukashenko. In his words, the time since the country gained independence has been the time of revival and active restoration of the Orthodox church. The Belarusian state has done a lot to help it. Except for Russia no other country can boast such powerful and systemic support for Orthodox organizations. Alexander Lukashenko said that the state “meets and will meet the church half way in any endeavors, certainly, taking into account economic capabilities”. The interaction between the church and the state should become mutually beneficial cooperation. Secular and clerical authorities should become full-fledged partners, said the President. The Belarusian Orthodox Church is supposed to have interests of the country in its heart, using its ties and respect in the international community to protect these interests. The voice of the church should be distinctly heard when the situation requires it, said Alexander Lukashenko. He remarked that the opinion and views of the church on many processes of the modern world are important for the Belarusian state. “I think that together we can find solutions to most complicated issues. We and the church need invigoration. We should act fast, promptly, sometimes to forestall events instead of lagging behind them. We have something to improve in this area,” said the President.

БЕЛТА