Ukraine war: Bavarian priest criticizes Russian Orthodox Church – “can be abused”
Created: 05/18/2022, 12:24 p.m
By: Felix Herz
Benedictine Father Anselm Grün criticizes the instrumentalization of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Ukraine conflict.
© epd / IMAGO
In an interview, the well-known Benedictine Father Anselm Grün criticized the Russian Orthodox Church and its head, who is loyal to Putin, Kirill I.
Augsburg – In an interview with the
Augsburger Allgemeine
, the well-known Benedictine Father Anselm Grün finds clear words for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
He criticizes the role of the Russian Orthodox Church and its leader Kirill I. Grün is a monk in the Benedictine Abbey of Münsterschwarzach north of Nuremberg.
The minister is also known for his work as an author of spiritual books and as a leadership coach.
Bavarian Father criticizes Russian Church and leader
In an interview with the
Augsburger Allgemeine
, the Benedictine priest from Bavaria sharply criticized the Russian Orthodox Church: "It is very bitter that Kirill allows himself to be abused by Putin and justifies the war - especially when there are many Russians in Ukraine -Orthodox Christians there.”
Grün laments the instrumentalization of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
It hurts when Kirill justifies war in the name of faith, Grün told the newspaper.
"Christians should not fight Christians," the Benedictine priest made clear.
But Kirill had become blind to it.
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Ukraine conflict: Kirill I supports Putin – difficult relationship with the Vatican
The relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Vatican is considered difficult, and the Ukraine conflict has further strained the relationship.
According to the church, the pope offered to travel to Moscow to meet Putin, but the request has so far gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, Anselm Grün supports the arms deliveries to Ukraine – but at the same time warns that these must not remain the only means.
But he doesn't want any further escalation.
"It is important to me that you go both ways: negotiations and arms deliveries," said the Benedictine priest.
(
fhz
)
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