Letter to the Prime Minister of Ukraine 

                                                                     Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear Mrs Tymoshenko,

we kindly ask You to admonish the Head of the State Committee on Matters of Nationalities and Religions, Mr J. Reshetnikov, who commits religious discrimination and violates the Constitution as well as the laws of Ukraine. Mr J. Reshetnikov is subordinated directly to You and recently has been appointed by You to this office.

When rejecting registration of the statute of the UOGCC (see letters N. 7/2-19-107 of 26th June 2009; 7/2-19-133 of 21st August 2009), Mr J. Reshetnikov acted with a bias against us and exceeded his authority. Mr J. Reshetnikov violated the following laws:

(1)   Art. 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, according to which everyone has a right to freedom of world outlook and freedom of religion.

(2)   “Freedom of Worship and Religious Organizations Act” Part 1, Art. 3, which states: “To each citizen of Ukraine is guaranteed the freedom of conscience. This right includes freedom to have, adopt or change religion or convictions according to one’s own choice as well as freedom to profess – either individually or along with others – whatever religion or not to profess any, to perform religious ceremonies, to profess openly and to spread freely one’s religious belief or atheistic convictions.”

(3)    “Freedom of Worship and Religious Organizations Act” Part 5, Art. 5, according to which“to give whatever priority to or to impose a constraint on one religion, belief or religious organization in relation to others is inadmissible.”

(4)   The statement of Mr J. Reshetnikov that it is not possible to use the term “Greek-Catholic” in the name of the UOGCC with reference to can.19 CCEO is a violation of Art. 3 of “State Registration of Juridical Entities and Individuals – Entrepreneurs Act” and of Part 5, Art. 3 of the law N. 987-XII of 23rd April 1991.

Dear Mrs Tymoshenko,

we kindly ask You to make Mr J. Reshetnikov respect the Constitution and laws of Ukraine and not act with a bias.

Yours faithfully,

                                                       Bishop Markian Hitiuk OSBM

                                               Secretary of the Synod of the UOGCC

                                                                                                                    Lvov, 5th October 2009

Copies to:

-         The Holy Father Benedict XVI

-         V. Yushchenko, President of Ukraine

-         V. Medvedev, President of Russia

-         V. Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

-         V. F. Yanukovych, a deputy

-         MPs of the Ukrainian Parliament