By Antonis Anzoletou

A great discussion was opened by archbishop Mr. Ieronymos in relation to his proposal to hold a referendum on same-sex marriage. The objection mainly related to the fact that the specific matter is legal, therefore it could not be the subject of a direct voting procedure. Does the exhortation of the prefect of the Greek church constitute interference in the work of the state? Mainly given that the people have decided about six months ago and the political parties were voted based on their programs. It is a fact that Mr. Ieronymos is a moderate Hierarch who has not caused tensions with the state during his tenure. The climate inside the church is said to be tense, as several Metropolitans are not happy with the position the Archbishop has taken so far. They wish he had taken a harder line.

The position to hold a referendum certainly caused “tremors” in relations with the government and today’s convocation of the Holy Synod will be pivotal. The last “stormy” meeting was held in 2018 when Mr Alexis Tsipras had announced the taking over of the clergy’s payroll by the church. The plan did not go ahead. It will be very important how the highest ecclesiastical body will be positioned and if it will choose to sharpen the spirits more with the decisions it will make and the initiatives it will undertake. The Prime Minister’s meeting with the Archbishop was aimed at the dialogue taking place in a calm atmosphere. As difficult as this is. There had been several “fiery” statements by Metropolitans which showed that the debate will not be straightforward.

Some went back to 1982 when civil marriage was introduced or to 2000 when religion was not listed on the new identity cards. 24 years ago, the blessed Archbishop Christodoulos clashed strongly with his government PASOK. He had taken the initiative to collect signatures and was the only topic of discussion in the country for many months. The late President of the Republic Konstantinos Stephanopoulos with the then Prime Minister Kostas Simitis they had not agreed. The times may be completely different and so may the protagonists at the political and ecclesiastical level, but tensions will be inevitable. The local communities in the region and the parishes are pressuring the MPs, especially the majority, not to proceed with the bill for the civil marriage of same-sex couples. Expressing in particular their annoyance over the adoption issue. The pressure of the church suspects the opposition parties that it can influence the final form of the bill.