Exemptions for the clergy: Which priests are eligible for a deferment from mobilization?
3 June 21:53
In Ukraine, 6,500 clergy members have been exempted from mobilization. Only those priests who work for religious organizations recognized as critical to the functioning of the state are eligible for a deferment.
This was announced by Viktor Yelensky, Head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience of Ukraine, according to Interfax-Ukraine , as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
As Yelensky noted:
“Of the 35,000 religious organizations that exist in Ukraine, slightly more than 10,000 are currently classified as critical infrastructure.”
Clergy members working in these religious organizations may receive a deferment from mobilization through a reservation.
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Restrictions for the UOC-MP
Yelensky also emphasized that religious organizations belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) cannot be classified as strategic, and their clergy cannot be exempted.
According to sociological surveys, Ukrainians’ opinions on clergy serving in the army are divided.
25% of respondents believe that clergy should serve just like everyone else, while 44% support exceptions, specifically that they should not be combatants.
As a reminder, the government previously updated the procedure for exempting conscripts during mobilization and martial law. The changes also applied to religious organizations, some of which were granted critical infrastructure status.
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