The Public Council of Armenia has released a statement in response to tensions between government authorities and certain representatives of the clergy, as well as to public reactions and perceptions surrounding the issue. The statement was adopted during a consultation held on June 12.

According to the Council, “the Church must maintain political neutrality, and the state must refrain from interfering in the Church’s internal procedures.”

“The Public Council, emphasizing the importance of public solidarity, mutual respect, and tolerance, believes that resolving the current situation should be based solely on legal grounds — within the framework of the Constitution of Armenia, the Law on the Relationship Between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, and the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations.

Accordingly, the Church and clergy should exhibit political neutrality, and the state, in turn, must avoid meddling in the internal affairs of the Church,” the statement reads.

The Council reaffirmed its role as a platform for public dialogue, committed to facilitating constructive discussion and exploring solutions to matters of public significance. “All key issues concerning public life remain under the Council’s close attention,” the statement added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated on Facebook that “active steps are needed to liberate the Catholicosate at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and organize new Catholicos elections.” He also proposed forming a Coordinating Group to oversee organizational matters and announced he would personally take responsibility for selecting the first ten members of the group.