“Religion Should Not Become a Tool in Political Battles”— Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at a Meeting with Sheikh Ahmed Tamim
On September 7, at the Patriarchal Center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Kyiv, Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, met with Sheikh Ahmed Tamim, head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine and Grand Mufti of Ukraine. During the courtesy visit, they discussed the challenges posed by the war to religious communities and civil society, as well as cooperation within the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
Sheikh Ahmed Tamim spoke about two priorities of the religious administration he heads. The first is outreach to the national minority communities under its jurisdiction, aimed at fostering patriotism and respect for Ukraine, especially in the context of Russian aggression. The conversation also addressed the capacity of these communities to contribute to the country’s postwar reconstruction. The second priority is preventing religious extremism, specifically the use of Islam to spread doctrines that could harm Ukraine and its statehood.
“Preventing any religion from being turned into a tool in political or geopolitical battles is a very important part of every religious leader’s work,” emphasized His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The Head of the UGCC thanked Sheikh Ahmed Tamim for taking a wise stance in defense of Ukrainian interests within the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), as well as for participating in international forums and the Council’s visits, including the visit to the Vatican in January 2023. The interlocutors recalled the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, marked this year, and its significant role in Ukrainian society and the life of the state.
“The presence of the leader of Ukraine’s Muslims among other religious leaders is always a powerful testament to the unity of Ukrainian society,” the Primate noted.
They paid special attention to the document on universal brotherhood signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayeb. Its Ukrainian translation was presented at the Patriarchal Center of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on January 29 this year. His Beatitude Sviatoslav gratefully acknowledged Sheikh Ahmed Tamim’s contribution to the preparation of this document and to the development of dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Muslim community.
The Head of the UGCC also spoke about the activities of the UGCC Commission for Interconfessional and Interreligious Relations, headed by Fr. Ihor Shaban, and emphasized the desire to develop cooperation for the good of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and to fulfill their shared civic responsibilities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Beatitude Sviatoslav presented the Grand Mufti of Ukraine with a commemorative medal issued to mark the 20th anniversary of the transfer of the seat of the Head of the UGCC to Kyiv and the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the structures of the Kyiv Metropolia.
The UGCC Department for Information
