Armenian Diaspora prominent reps urge Armenian government and  Armenian Apostolic Church to resolve all differences while respecting   rules of church self-governance

ArmInfo. The constant attacks on the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) and  threats of forced removal of its primate pose a direct threat to all Armenians. This statement was made by prominent figures in the Diaspora.

"Recent political disagreements in Armenia, including the escalating  conflict between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic  Church, have reached a climax - the Cabinet is demanding the removal  of the Primate of the Church, despite the fact that he was elected in  accordance with the rules of the National Church Assembly. Several  archbishops have been arrested for making political statements, and a  prominent Russian-Armenian philanthropist and businessman  has been  arrested for publicly expressing support for the Church's position",  the joint statement reads.  They called for all issues concerning  Church governance to be resolved through the Church's governing  bodies. The Church has already convened a bishops' meeting, scheduled  for February 17-19 in Vienna. 

Unfortunately, the government, according to some reports, has issued  legal notices to several bishops, denying them the right to freely  leave the country and attend the meeting. Following the meeting, a  National Church Assembly will be held to discuss current issues and  propose a path of renewal in accordance with the long-standing  traditions and canons of the Church. We call on the Armenian  government and the Armenian Church to resolve all differences,  respecting the rules of Church self- governance, respecting the  separation of political activity and the Church's mission, and  protecting the right of Diaspora Armenians to practice their faith  without the influence of political interference from the government.

Armenia stands at a critical crossroads in its history. Internal  disagreements between church and state in Armenia must not further  weaken the Armenian nation worldwide. The time has come to resolve  this internal crisis so that the Armenian State, the Armenian Church,  and the Armenian Diaspora can enter a new era of peace and  prosperity," they noted.  The letter was signed by descendants of  Armenian Genocide survivors and members of the worldwide Armenian  Church, including Noubar Afeyan, Anthony Barsamian, Vache Manoukian,  Perch Sedrakian, and others.