The Romanian Orthodox Church (ROC) is deeply engaged in the present and future of Romania, consistently defending and promoting Christian and European democratic values for the benefit of the Romanian people.
As the first signatory of the “Declaration of Religious Denominations for Romania’s Integration into the European Union” on May 16, 2000, the ROC reaffirms its strong commitment to Romania’s EU membership. The European Union is seen as a space of prosperity and cooperation among the peoples of Europe, whose founding fathers were profoundly rooted in Christianity.
According to Article 7, Paragraph 1 of Law No. 489/2006 on religious freedom and the general regime of religious denominations, religious denominations are designated as “factors of social peace.” In this spirit, the Holy Synod has repeatedly decided since 2008 that bishops, priests, deacons, monks, and nuns of the ROC are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics or participating in electoral campaigns as supporters. Thus, the ROC unequivocally declares its neutrality during electoral campaigns, mirroring the stance of the Romanian Armed Forces.
Clerics’ electoral choices should be expressed solely through their personal, secret vote, without engaging in political partisanship. This aligns with the restrictions placed on active military personnel, who are barred from publicly expressing political opinions, joining political parties or organizations, or conducting propaganda on behalf of political entities or candidates for public office.
In conclusion, the Romanian people require both freedom and unity, prosperity and stability.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
Photo: Basilica.ro
