The People’s Advocate is concerned about the position adopted by the Synod of the Moldovan Orthodox Church regarding vaccination against COVID-19 and the requests made in this context to the authorities. Thus, in an address to the country’s leadership, the Metropolis of Chisinau and All Moldova calls for the non-imposition of vaccination against COVID-19 because it would be “a way in which the globalist antichrist system wants to introduce into people’s bodies microchips with which to be able to control them through the 5G technology.”

The People’s Advocate is confused about this initiative of the leadership of the Metropolis of Chisinau and All Moldova, given that the address comes at a time when the COVID-19 virus continues to wreak havoc around the world, and the epidemiological situation in the Republic of Moldova remains quite complicated. Moreover, despite the insistent efforts of scientists in the most developed countries, an antiCovid-19 vaccine could be developed, according to the most optimistic scenario, only towards the end of this year.

 The Ombudsman recalls that, according to art. 31 of the Constitution, religious cults shall be autonomous, separated from the State and shall enjoy the support of the latter, here included any facilitation for the religious assistance in the army, hospitals, prisons, asylums and orphanages.

In a democratic state, the right to freedom of conscience and thought is guaranteed. Democracy cannot however accept violations of human dignity and of human rights in the name of a faith. Religious organisations, which are made up of citizens, should submit to democratic laws. Any infringement against public order or against democracy must be penalised. Religious practice is limited by democratic law, that is by human rights[1]. Believers must, for their part, be aware that no religious dogma of any kind should ever contradict the values of humanism which are the basis of the legal and social structure of democracy.

However, both the restrictions introduced by the authorities regarding the officiating of divine services and other traditional religious manifestations, as well as the actions that are and will be taken to protect public safety and health have the objective of ensuring human rights – health and life. International human rights mechanisms allow for certain derogations in situations similar to the current one[2]. At the same time, in its jurisprudence the European Court has ruled, in principle, that the right to religious freedom, as understood by the Convention (art. 9), excludes any assessment by the state of the legitimacy of the ways in which they are expressed, whatever deductively belongs to the responsibility of religious cults not to expose themselves on the way of managing the right to health protected and guaranteed by the state, including on vaccination, etc. Any interference must be justified, otherwise it is considered to be an interference in bad faith.

The addressing of the high church clergies is all the more unfortunate as their role is seen globally as a substantial one in preventing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization[3] sees religious leaders as a major source of guidance and support for the communities in which they operate. Religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and communities of faith are among the most trusted sources of information, as well as both pastoral, health, and social care in our communities. Their followers and community members may trust and follow guidance about COVID-19 coming from faith leaders even more than if delivered by governments and health authorities. The health care and social services of faith-based organizations are often more accessible, especially in rural communities and among marginalized populations. Faith leaders also have a special responsibility to counter and address misinformation, misleading teachings, and rumors, which can spread rapidly and cause great damage.

 At European and Council of Europe level, religious leaders are seen as supporting the authorities’ efforts to combat prejudice, their role as informal educators, and their influence over believers. However, the public launch of messages referring to dangers in the area of ​​conspiracy scenarios is a reckless act that can generate panic and adverse consequences for social quiet and peace, uncertainty and distrust in the country’s medical services, thus thwarting the authorities’ efforts made to fight epidemy.

The People’s Advocate calls on the leadership of the Metropolis of Chisinau and All Moldova to withdraw its request to the authorities and to refrain from other messages that could have a detrimental effect on public health, civil peace and human rights.

2020 /05/ 21

Department for Promotion of

Human Rights and Communication

Tel.: 06000656

[1] Report Religion and democracy, 27 November 1998, Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe

https://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewHTML.asp?FileID=8426&lang=en

[2] Articles 4 and 8 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

[3] Practical considerations and recommendations for religious leaders and faith-based communities in the context of COVID-19 (OMC) (file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/WHO-2019-nCoV-Religious_Leaders-2020.1-eng.pdf