Statement on the situation in Chechnya

STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN CHECHNYA

Disturbing reports about crimes committed in Chechnya have caused profound sorrow among the clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Unfortunately, cases of murder, hostage-taking, depriving peaceful people of their civil rights, freedom, health and property have become an evil tradition. The actions of terrorists have brought death and suffering to innocent victims and profound grief to their relatives and friends. This situation defies the norms of law and morality accepted universally in the world and represents a grave sin before God.

Among the victims of the crime were also Orthodox clergymen, one of them was killed, and workers of Christian charitable organizations. Believing people, though, share the suffering of any person subjected to lawless force.

Terrorism should have no place anywhere, and we call upon the leadership of the Republic of Chechnya to oppose criminals with all resolution. May the Most High strengthen the Chechen leaders elected by the people in this beneficial mission. I also ask the Russian federal authorities to contribute to the struggle with terrorism in cooperation with the leadership of Chechnya. It is my conviction that this struggle will be a success if it unites all the best public and popular forces, if it is clean of servicing political interests, personal ambitions and power seeking.

I shall remind our society that the blame for the criminal actions should not be put on the Chechen people or the followers of Islam. We should together build life in peace and welfare, tackling economic, political and social problems. May the Almighty Lord, Who “is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33), help us on this road.

PATRIARCH ALEXY II OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

March 11, 1999