The Romanian Patriarchate notes with concern the draft legislation proposing to decriminalise certain offences related to possessing drugs for personal use and believes any changes in this area must prioritise protecting the gift of life, personal health, and the well-being of families and communities.
Particular attention must be paid to children and young people, who are at a stage of life when they need moral guidance and examples of healthy living.
In this regard, the Romanian Patriarchate emphasises that no legislative change should create the impression that drug use is a matter of little consequence or a normal form of behaviour. Preventing drug use, educating young people and supporting families must always take precedence.
The Church also draws attention to the responsibility of those who exploit people’s vulnerability through drug trafficking. Faced with such practices, society is called to take a firm stand, particularly to protect children and young people and to prevent the spread of behaviours that cause suffering to individuals, families and communities.
The Church’s pastoral experience shows that many of the wounds caused by addiction cannot be healed through isolation and stigmatisation, but through compassion and support for recovery.
In this context, the Romanian Orthodox Church reaffirms its willingness to stand alongside people affected by addiction and their families through prayer, pastoral counselling and fraternal assistance.
The Romanian Patriarchate hopes that public authorities and everyone involved in the debate on this legislative initiative will make the health of individuals, family harmony, the protection of the younger generation and support for those harmed by drug use their primary objectives.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
