The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has called on the Armenian government and the Church to engage in dialogue in light of recent attacks and legal actions against senior clergymen. In a statement, AGBU declared that the Armenian people are experiencing a profound crisis, and that recent developments have shaken both the Armenian public and the diaspora.

“It is crucial that Armenia’s Constitution and democratic processes are not undermined, nor the structured governance and global connections of the national Church. The government must uphold the right to free speech and ensure law enforcement within democratic norms,” the statement reads, according to Sputnik Armenia.

AGBU emphasized that the Church also has responsibilities and rights. It should continue its spiritual mission and help strengthen the Armenian nation’s dignity. The Constitution and the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations clearly define the distinct roles and responsibilities of the state and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“Constructive criticism or disagreement with any institution or its leadership is legitimate. What is not acceptable is unconstitutional interference or destructive rhetoric. As the current government works for peace and prosperity, the Armenian Apostolic Church remains a foundation of our faith and national identity,” AGBU stated.

The statement concluded by noting that the Church has been a guiding institution for over 1,700 years, having survived empires and dictatorships, and remained a vital source of resilience, including during the Armenian Genocide.

“We urge all parties to exercise restraint, avoid conflict, and recommit to dialogue based on mutual respect and shared national interest,” the statement added.

On May 29, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticized the state of churches, calling them "storehouses." On June 2, he said that if it turns out that Catholicos Karekin II has broken his vow of celibacy and has a child, he cannot remain Catholicos. Pashinyan has repeatedly called for the Catholicos’s resignation in social media posts.

In response, Catholicos Karekin II stated on June 22 that the government’s anti-Church campaign is a serious threat to national unity, stability, and statehood.

On the night of June 25–26, Sacred Struggle movement leader Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan was arrested in the coup case. On June 28, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, the head of Shirak Diocese was also arrested. He faces charges of inciting public calls to seize power, undermine territorial integrity, renounce sovereignty, or overthrow the constitutional order.