While church-state relations have improved, there is still significant work ahead.
Maske, Posel and Joanikije, Photo: MCP
Following a challenging period in recent years, the relationship between the Church and the state in Montenegro has improved, although there’s still considerable effort required to enhance these ties, stated Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral.
The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral (MCP) reported that Joanikije made this statement on Friday, June 20, at the MCP headquarters located in the Cetinje Monastery during a meeting with Jean-Christophe Pocel, the advisor for religious affairs at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as the French Ambassador to Montenegro, Anne-Marie Masque.
“The visit was part of Ambassador Posel’s recent diplomatic tour, which included travel to several countries in our region and meetings with various church and religious community representatives. Metropolitan Joanikije shared with the French guest the history and current situation of the Church, noting that, despite past difficulties, the relations between the Church and the state in Montenegro are now on a more solid foundation. However, much remains to be done to further improve these relations. The Metropolitan pointed out a troubling trend in Montenegro, which involves severe reactions from certain government factions, individuals, and social groups to the statements made by the Church or its representatives on various ethical, moral, historical, and socially pertinent issues,” the MCP statement reads.
The statement further highlighted Posel’s remark that political decisions should rightfully occur within the Parliament and other appropriate state bodies, yet the Church certainly possesses the right to express its views.
“Both parties agreed that the principle of separation between Church and state, enshrined in the constitutional and legal systems of both France and Montenegro, proves advantageous for both entities. Furthermore, this principle does not imply conflict or animosity between the Church and the state,” added the MCO.
The statement concluded with Posel accepting Joanikije’s invitation to visit key spiritual centers of the Metropolis in the future.
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