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Ukrainian parliament passed a law that officially recognized penitentiary chaplaincy

15.05.2015, 10:37

Ukrainian Parliament adopted the Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on regulation of activities of chaplains in the organs and institutions under jurisdiction of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine.”

It was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.

The legislative act implementing the institute of clergymen (chaplains) in agencies and authoritiesunder jurisdiction of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, charged with “pastoral” care in these agencies and authorities are to supplement the Penal Code section 1281,Organization of Pastoral Care of prisoners.

According to the law, "pastoral care of prisoners is the activityof clergymen (chaplains) in penal institutions authorized by religious organizations, whose statutes (regulations) are registered in compliance with the procedure provided by law and are intended to address the religious needs of prisoners, their spiritual education.”

The law ensures the right to "pastoral" care for persons taken into custody. For this purpose, Articles 9 and 12 of the Law “On pre-trial detention” were amended.

The instrument provides for the commitment of leadership of the agencies and authorities of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine that their personnel shall facilitate organization of “pastoral” care activities of clergymen.

In this regard, Article 23 of the Law “On the State Penal Service of Ukraine”was supplemented by relevant instructions.

Representatives of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church were involved in drafting a bill.

The draft bill was registered under №1154.