Montenegro's prime minister, top Serbian Orthodox bishop discuss
new law
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| Serbian Orthodox Church clergy in Montenegro march in protest a new law on religious freedom |
The prime minister of Montenegro has met with the top Serbian
Orthodox Church bishop in the Balkan nation to defuse mounting tensions over a
new law on religious rights. Their meeting follows widespread protests against
the legislation.
By Stefan J. Bos
Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Bishop Amfilohije,
who leads the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Balkan nation, met in a state
villa in the capital Podgorica at a difficult time.
The Serbian Church in Montenegro fears a government-backed
religious law will allow the state to take over its properties, including
monasteries, churches, and other assets. The government has denied it plans to
do so.
Thousands of people have attended church-led protests. They
have been held throughout Montenegro since the legislation was adopted late
last year.
Protestor Juvan Bulatovic called the legislation
ill-favored. He said the law "seeks a state take-over of 1,000-years of
history and 800-year-old churches as well as religion."
He claimed the state wanted to seize and privatize
everything in Montenegro. But he pledged that the people "will not accept
this and will protect their faith, church, and religion."
Broader tensions
The protests underscored a broader debate about religion in
the small country.
The standoff even led to physical fighting in Parliament.
Other Orthodox Christian churches recognize the Serbian Orthodox Church in
Montenegro. But the self-proclaimed Montenegrin Orthodox Church hasn't been
accepted by several denominations.
About 30 percent of Montenegro's 620,000 people declare
themselves as Serbs. Montenegro split from much larger Serbia in 2006. In
Serbia, angry crowds also rallied against Montenegro's religious legislation.
Montenegro joined the western NATO military in 2017 despite
objections from Russia, which is wielding influence in the region. Montenegro
also seeks entry into the prosperous European Union.
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