Belarusian authorities did not extend the permits for six clergy with Polish citizenship working in the Archdiocese of Minsk-Mohilev to continue their ministry. This is not the first time Polish priests have faced issues with their work in Belarus, as religious communities are reportedly seen as “a tool of Polish influence.”
The information was released by the independent initiative “Christian Vision.” The decision, which was reportedly approved by the Office for Religious and National Affairs, affects five Catholic priests and one monk.
According to the “Christian Vision,” cited by Do Rzeczy, all clergy have been carrying out pastoral work at local parishes in Belarus for many years. Now, they will effectively be forced to leave the country.
The case of Father Lech Bachanek is particularly high-profile. The Franciscan has been working in Belarus for over a quarter of a century. He came to Ivyanets in 2000. He was involved in youth-oriented activities, establishing, among other things, the “Music Workshop.”
Back in 2016, Father Bachanek also faced the same problem, as his permission to continue serving was not renewed. However, after the case was publicized, the decision was reversed, and the priest received a new permit.
Earlier this month, media reported that three other Polish priests working in the Vitebsk Diocese were refused extensions to their permits.
According to the Centrum Europy X channel, “Following the 2020 protests, the regime’s authorities in Belarus have consistently intensified pressure on religious communities. Particular attention from the security services and officials is drawn to representatives of the Catholic Church. They are perceived as a tool of Polish influence and a potentially disloyal environment.”
One possible area of “influence” by Poland in Belarus could be any perceived support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Poland has accused Belarus of sending illegal migrants over its border as a form of hybrid warfare ever since Putin’s aggression against Ukraine to help destabilize Poland, a key Ukrainian ally.
Minsk, meanwhile, has long been considered a close ally of Moscow, but now Lukashenko is stating that he has no intention of entering the war against Ukraine and is even ready to sit down with President Zelensky.
