Ramgavar party backs Austria Bishops’ Assembly over arrest fears
Panarmenian.net
The Ramgavar Liberal Party (RLP) issued a statement supporting the decision to hold the upcoming Bishops’ Assembly in Sankt Pölten, Austria, emphasizing that recent “unlawful arrests of clergy” in Armenia have created an atmosphere of insecurity that makes it impossible for participants to travel to Armenia without risk of detention, Panorama.am reports.
“It is precisely for this reason that the assembly will be convened in Austria. This situation is deeply regrettable, and the full responsibility lies with the current Armenian authorities,” the statement reads.
The RLP recalled its earlier public demand—issued around December 17 in both Armenian and English—for the government to formally guarantee personal safety for participants and allow church councils to operate freely. “Unfortunately, the authorities either deliberately or negligently ignored this lawful demand.”
The party called criticism of the foreign-based council misleading and unjust. It noted that there are no legal obstacles to holding such meetings outside Armenia—and in fact, precedents exist in church history.
“We want the Bishops’ Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to be held in Austria from February 16 to 19, to be constructive and effective, despite the unprecedentedly unhealthy relationship between the Armenian government and the Church,” the statement said.
The RLP concluded that this critical gathering must result in a “conscious victory of national unity.”
Earlier, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin stated that the canonical validity of the Bishops’ Assembly is not dependent on its location, adding that there is no need to obstruct the gathering with false accusations and unfounded objections.
