“The State and the Church must cooperate in harmony and respect for the prominent national and social role of our Orthodox Church,” said the New Democracy secretary and candidate MP, Lefteris Avgenakis, at a meeting he had with Archbishop Irenaeus of Crete.
During the discussion, Lefteris Avgenakis stated that “the Church of Crete is an integral part of the history of our country and its people.” He stressed “the need to strengthen not only the role of Church, but also its social, educational and pastoral work that has contributed decisively to maintaining social cohesion during the difficult times of the crisis. ”
Furthermore, Lefteris Avgenakis highlighted the important contribution of the Church in supporting the people in need, its charities, and its continuous contribution to our society.
Regarding the Church-State relations, he stated that “New Democracy has been against a constitutional revision concerning the relations between the State and the Church. The State and the Church can, through dialogue, avoid any disruption in their relation without a constitutional revision, which SYRIZA promotes for communication purposes. New Democracy does not consider it necessary to amend Article 3 of the Constitution regarding State-Church relations, something that it fought for and achieved to prevent its revision by the government. Besides, freedom of religion and respect for all religions are guaranteed and protected in the Constitution.”
Source: ANA-MPA