Pashinyan’s Civil Contract Party Monopolizes Parliamentary Probe into Armenian Apostolic Church “Crisis”

The Armenian National Assembly has approved the formation of a new parliamentary inquiry commission aimed at investigating what the government describes as a “deep, systemic crisis” within the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The commission’s mandate includes examining the impact of certain clergy activities and the church’s alleged failure to fulfill its role in the spiritual life of Armenians, national culture, and identity preservation.

The commission’s composition has drawn sharp criticism, as all six seats have been assigned to members of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party. This exclusive allocation has led to accusations that the body lacks impartiality and is instead a political instrument. Legal experts and opposition lawmakers have condemned the move, arguing it undermines the independence of the church and the principle of separation between church and state.

The establishment of this commission marks another phase in the Pashinyan administration’s broader effort to reform the Armenian Apostolic Church. This initiative is part of a larger legislative campaign to regulate internal church matters, which has sparked significant domestic opposition. Critics argue that the government is attempting to exert direct executive control over an institution that has long been a cornerstone of Armenian identity and spirituality.

The government’s actions have created a governance dilemma, as it seeks to implement sweeping changes on an institution that operates independently. By appointing a ruling-party-dominated commission, the administration is accused of bypassing constitutional safeguards that separate religious and governmental authority. This has raised concerns about the potential erosion of religious autonomy and the impact on the church’s role in Armenian society.

The controversy highlights the tension between state authority and religious independence in Armenia. The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian communities, has historically played a central role in the nation’s cultural and spiritual life. The current push for reform has sparked fears that the church’s autonomy and traditional practices may be compromised, raising questions about the balance between governance and religious freedom.

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