Serbian Synod Bans Bishops from Interfering in Political Rivalries

Serbian ortodox church/Beta/Miloš Miškov

The Holly Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church sent a letter to Serbian bishops, banning them from “interfering in worldly affairs” and from supporting political parties and politicians, the Nova paper wrote on Feb. 21.

“It is very important to note that it will be deemed impermissible to take any role in political rivalries, and to issue public statements in favor or to the detriment of political parties or candidates in the election processes and beyond,” says the letter quoted by Nova, adding that the decision by the Synod of Bishops was accepted by Patriarch Porfirije as well.

Nova’s sources say that the move actually revealed a fear that some bishops might support the opposition, as government officials are already praised on the website of the Church.