News by email Donate

Suggestions

Vladimir-Putin-and-Patriarch-Kirill-main_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia Commons
World News

Russian Orthodox Church clashes with Putin over smacking ban

The Russian premier, who has enjoyed close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, supported the legislation which is thought to establish punishments of up to two years in prison for mums and dads who physically discipline their children.

The Church's Patriarchal Commission claims an amendment of 'Article 116 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation' contradicts the God-given right of parents to reasonably and lovingly exercise physical punishment.

It condemns the new law as having no moral or legal justification, contradicting family life and warns that the measure will do more harm than good.

Quoting Bible passages such as Hebrews 12: 6-11, which poses the question "What children are not disciplined by their father?", the Church also says the law is "contrary to the teachings of the Orthodox Church".

Urging lawmakers and government representatives to work towards reversing the decision, the Patriarchal Commission said: "There is no doubt that children should be protected from the [actual] criminal acts, by whomever committed, especially when it comes to criminal violence."

It went on to say that parents should be able to exercise their own judgement in rearing their children, adding "a reasonable and moderate use of loving parents in the education of physical punishment of the child" should not be considered a "criminal attack".

Premier has approached the office of The President of Russia for a comment.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate