The Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate (BCP), which is currently the prophetic voice of the one crying in the wilderness, expresses its support for “Pastoral Letter of the Synod of the UGCC about the dangers of gender ideology”.

Because of the need of internal restoration of the UGCC and Ukrainian society, the BCP also proposes the election of a new Head of the UGCC. The current Head of the UGCC unfortunately lacks sufficient prerequisites for such a difficult task as restoration of the Church.

Several key ideas selected from the declaration of the Synod of the UGCC. We quote:

“The true essence and goal of gender ideology remains hidden to the public. Therefore, the Ukrainian society, responsive to the assertion of its dignity and freedom, finds itself in danger of thoughtlessly adopting as truth questionable atheistic theories. Recently, gender theories have expanded greatly and the ideological influence of this system has increased, which contradicts the Christian faith, objective scientific facts and natural law.

Sex is a natural phenomenon, but gender is psychological self-acceptance (homosexual, transsexual, transvestite…). So the crucial aspect is not to be somebody, but to play somebody’s role (gender schizophrenia).

What is particularly disturbing is the fact that gender ideology is not just a virtual ideological system but it aggressively manipulates public opinion, is gradually being introduced into legislation and ever more violently affects different spheres of human life, especially the sphere of education.

This anti-human theory is to be established as the dominant world view and incorporated into practice. It is often enforced through international coercive measures of a global society. What was until recently considered to be a deviation is now declared by gender theorists to be not only normal but even a life principle to be followed under the threat of ridicule, condemnation or even punishment!

Gender theory adopts the character of totalitarian ideology.

A complete denial of human nature and the natural moral law destroys the understanding of human identity. A denial of biological sex weakens the understanding of humanity, does not correspond to objective scientific knowledge, but relies on subjective hypotheses and pseudo-scientific assertions of the interested parties.

Gender theory destroys the understanding of the family. At various levels – legislative, informational, educational… – the undeniable facts are knowingly concealed about the harmful effects of gender ideology on mental and physical health, especially of children and youth.

All people of good will are bound not to allow the spread of pernicious (gender) theories, which are innovative ideological forms of enslavement and destruction of man, family and society as a whole.

If the government loses its legality because of non-compliance with the law of God, the nation has the right to refuse obedience to the government and to resist.

We urge scientists to demonstrate the truth about gender and other destructive ideologies.

We urge civil servants and law-makers to see to it that the Ukrainian legislation should adopt no uncertain or unproven concepts of human identity or family and principles of gender education.”

The BCP thanks UGCC bishops for their topical pastoral letter and calls on the Episcopal Conferences of Europe and the American continent to follow their example.

Copies to: President and Government of Ukraine; Vatican Secretariat of State; Episcopal Conferences of the EU and the American continent; Mass media

Download: UGCC Synod against gender ideology – the election of a new Head of the UGCC (8/12/2016)