As the Serbian Church marks its first 800 years, it is time that this important national institution rethought its policies and became more charitable and tolerant.
The Serbian Orthodox Church, the only institution in Serbia that reaches all the way back to medieval times, turns 800 in 2019. Vecernje Novosti, a Belgrade newspaper, published a piece earlier this month stating that the Church had begun a process to change its constitution ahead of the anniversary.
The reported changes are substantial. The appointment of the Patriarch would be done through voting rather than by a random draw of three selected candidates.
All bishops would receive the rank of metropolitan, which would give them more independence in interpreting matters of faith. Finally, the Church’s official name would change to Serbian Orthodox Church – Patriarchate of Pec, which would re-assert its roots in Kosovo by referencing its Ottoman-era seat in the town of Pec/Peja in Kosovo.
But the proposed changes have stirred passions in Belgrade, given that the Church and its leading bishops often engage in politics, from insisting that Serbia never recognises Kosovo’s independence to pronouncements on the role of women, on abortion and on homosexuality.
These conservative interventions in Serbia’s political space are increasingly problematic for liberal believers, however, who appreciate the Church’s core message, history, and rituals but would prefer the church to modernise and be more conciliatory within and outside Serbia.
Although Serbia is not a nation of regular churchgoers, the Church has long occupied a powerful position in society and politics. Along with the military, it is the most trusted institution in the country, far ahead of government institutions, political parties and the media, which are widely seen as untrustworthy.
Besides its spiritual role, it is widely known for its crucial role in shaping and preserving Serbian culture and identity during the nation’s turbulent existence and centuries of foreign rule.
In medieval times, it was the only centre of learning, producing magnificent monasteries and illuminated manuscripts.
After the Ottomans overran the Serbian state in the 15th century, it was crucial in preserving Serbian culture and acted as a political organising force in both the Ottoman and Habsburg empires.
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