Statement of Mission and Service in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church from the Office of His Apostolic Highness the Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia
12 November 2024 Summary: The
United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of
Rome-Ruthenia form a diverse ethno-religious nation without borders
that transcends modern political boundaries. We prioritize the Church's
mission above national loyalties, emphasizing unity in Christ over
nationalism, which can create division and conflict. Members and
especially church officials are expected to uphold these values
publicly and focus on the Church's teachings rather than personal
political views. The Church promotes respectful dialogue and cherishes
the diverse backgrounds of its members while striving for spiritual
growth and unity in their shared Christian mission. Read also the Canonical Status of the Church. Read also about the Temporal Rights of the Church.
The
United Roman-Ruthenian Church and the Pontifical Imperial State of
Rome-Ruthenia constitute an ethno-religious nation without physical or
political borders that span many modern civil state. We by our very
history have diverse traditions and cultures within the Roman-Ruthenian
Church and State. We value the diverse backgrounds, views, and cultures
that our members, officials, and their families bring to our community.
This diversity enriches our work and strengthens our commitment to the
shared Christian mission, a mission transcending borders and
governments. Indeed, we are a cultural anchor.
Our unique historic culture of the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State not
only constitutes a valuable heritage and identity of its own, but also
contributes to local heritage and history. We have influenced art,
music, and social customs around the world. Rooted in the traditions of
ancient Christianity, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church is dedicated to
maintaining its unifying Orthodox Old Catholic faith and upholding the
unity and heritage passed down through centuries. The diverse cultures
we represent strengthen our unity.
The Primacy of the Church Over the Civil StateIn all we do, the Church remains above all worldly powers.
Our commitment to God and the sacred principles of faith guides us and
must come before any allegiance to the state or nation. Indeed, nations
come and nations go, but the Church remains. As an Apostolic and
autocephalous Church, our mission focuses on safeguarding the apostolic
traditions, fostering a global community, and promoting unity in Christ. While patriotism to a civil government may be understandable as a personal sentiment, nationalism
threatens the unity of the Church by elevating temporal allegiances
above our higher calling. In more detail, nationalism is understood as
an excessive or idolatrous elevation of one’s own nation, ethnic group,
or culture, often at the expense of the universal, inclusive nature of
the Christian faith. Orthodox teaching emphasizes that Christ’s Church
transcends all earthly divisions—national, ethnic, and cultural—uniting
believers of every background in the Body of Christ. (Galatians 3:28). Nationalism
can lead to prioritizing national or ethnic identity over Christian
identity, which can divide the faithful and contradict the Church’s
mission to be a united, holy, catholic, and apostolic body. Nationalism
can also foster hostility, pride, and even violence, which are contrary
to the love and humility Christ taught. For this reason, we encourage all members,
regardless of their citizenship in a civil state, to respect the
separation between their personal views on national issues and their
commitment to serving the Church’s global mission. Upholding Integrity and Unity in Public ConductThe officials and representatives of the
Roman-Ruthenian Church and State are expected to embody the Church’s
values, laws, and policies publicly, honoring their commitment to a
higher purpose and protecting our shared mission from potential
misunderstandings or conflicts. While there is room for personal
expression, publicly-visible statements must above all reflect our
commitment to Christ, community, and the values we stand for. Encouraging Dialogue and GrowthThe Roman-Ruthenian Church in Christian charity welcomes respectful and open dialogue. We strive always to enhance unity while respecting each member’s unique background. The Church is grateful for the dedication each official and member brings to our mission as an ethno-religious cultural institute and nation without borders.
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