Human rights defender Anahit Manasyan recently raised awareness in the National Assembly regarding the spiritual rights of individuals. She highlighted the need to protect officials who have obstructed the entry of the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians into the Memorial Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin and failed to provide religious services and rituals. Manasyan believes that the spiritual rights of individuals include the right to protect personal data, and publishing such information should be considered a violation. She also emphasized the importance of having a harmonious relationship between the state and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Manasyan expressed her willingness to contribute to resolving any possible issues between the two entities.

“I can divide it into two parts – emotional and scientific. In emotional terms, I cannot answer, as I am ethically limited by scientific principles. Scientifically, I can say that we analyze things first by examining the facts from the point of view of state bodies, so that we can understand what the problem has been. I am also prepared to speak with the church to understand the overall problems. It is crucial to listen to both sides and understand the questions. Here, I will address many important questions from both perspectives. First, as an Ombudsman, it is essential to have a clear position in my public speech, which has an equal and defined place for all believers, including atheists, and provides overall protection, including the protection that the Ombudsman receives from all religious denominations,” she said.

Anahit Manasyan stressed that it is crucial for her to express a position within this context. “Because the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in our Constitution, as we understand it, is established, and it is essential that the relationship between the state and the church be harmonious so that any amendments are made based on collegial principles, which include all those who adhere to any religious denomination. It is evident that this collegiality has been disrupted. We all see it. It is impossible not to see it. I believe that both the church and the state should strive to establish a general harmony by utilizing the power of dialogue. As an Ombudsman, I am prepared to contribute to resolving any possible issues from this perspective,” she affirmed.

Manasyan also noted that there might be a significant event where she herself would want to make a statement. “By registering my position as an Armenian Apostolic Church adherent in our history, I am anchoring myself, and it is important for the differences between the state and the church to be resolved collectively. I consider this conflict to be very harmful. We all see it. It is impossible not to see it. I believe that the church and the state should endeavor to transform this conflict into coexistence through dialogue. As an Ombudsman, I am ready to contribute to resolving any possible difficulties from that standpoint,” she concluded.

This news was sourced from NEWS.am on Telegram.