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Roman Catholics of Bila Tserkva Ask Journalists for Help

13.09.2005, [01:38] // RCC //

Bila Tserkva – On 8 September 2005 the Roman Catholic community of central Ukrainian Bila Tserkva addressed the mass media with a letter asking for help: “When will the time come that law and human rights will be above the will of officials?” ask the faithful. Since 1989 they have been trying to have their church, used for entertainment now, returned. Given below are excerpts from the address.

"Dear Journalists!

"…Our city has a beautiful Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1812 by our ancestors in faith. Unfortunately, the Soviet authorities took the church illegally. For years it has held museums, warehouses and lecture halls, until it got ruined. Then it was decided to place an organ hall there. Thus they did repairs, put an organ there, and now they decided that it belongs to the city and not to the Catholics. Today it continues to be an organ hall, where not only concerts but also other events taks place. For instance, on 24 June 2005, on a religious holy day, end-of-school-year parties took place inside the church, while the faithful were praying in front of it. We are not asking to return to us all the valuable things which were in the church. All we want is the return of the church building.

"The parishioners have been trying to have the church returned since 1989. During all that time we cannot find understanding with the local authorities. There are 200 of us now. Lately we have tried to sign an agreement with the administration of the organ hall, according to which we could hold liturgies on a daily basis. Until now we were allowed to conduct liturgies 3 times a week. The director refuses to sign this agreement and demands exorbitant payment for the conducted liturgies. He said he will not allow us inside the church on Sunday…

"…We have high hopes that you will help us attract the attention of all Ukrainian society to our problems."

Bila Tserkva Roman Catholic Community

Bila Tserkva, 8/09/2005

Source:

• http://www.catholicmedia.org.ua