Ivanishvili Pledges Greater Constitutional Role for Orthodox Christianity, Reaffirms Commitment to Church-State Independence
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, September 2, 2024
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chairman of the Georgian Dream (GD) party, addressed supporters in the town of Ozurgeti as part of the party's election campaign, emphasising the importance of Orthodox Christianity in the Georgian state identity. Ivanishvili stated that, should the GD secure a constitutional majority in the upcoming elections, the role of Orthodox Christianity would be more clearly reflected in the Georgian Constitution. However, he did not specify whether this would include designating Orthodox Christianity as the state religion.
Earlier in the week, the Georgian Patriarchate disclosed that the ruling party had suggested declaring Orthodox Christianity the state religion. However, the Patriarchate declined the proposal, citing concerns over potential state influence on the Church. During his speech in Ozurgeti, Ivanishvili did not confirm any plans to officially establish Orthodox Christianity as the state religion but mentioned that an agreement had been reached with the Patriarchate to enhance the Church's role. The specifics of this agreement were not elaborated upon.
Ivanishvili expressed that the constitutional status of Orthodox Christianity and the Orthodox Church would be further strengthened, and that the Georgian Constitution would more accurately reflect the Church's mission as a key component of Georgian state identity. He also highlighted the Church's significant historical role and its relevance in contemporary Georgian life, while reaffirming the principles of the Church's independence and freedom of faith within the Constitution.
Additionally, Ivanishvili reiterated themes from previous campaign speeches, including the intention to ban what he referred to as the "collective UNM" - a term he uses to describe the opposition - and to take measures against the LGBT community in the name of protecting family values.
Ivanishvili delivered his speech from behind bulletproof glass, alongside other prominent GD figures, amidst a heavy police presence in the city.
