Korajian on Separation of Church and State Powers in Armenia
Posted on May. 24. 2020
KORAJIAN: Separation of powers is a doctrine of constitutional law under which the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate. This is also known as the system of checks and balances, because each branch is given certain powers so as to check and balance the other branches.
The separation of powers ensures that the different branches control each other; divides power between the different branches of government
The separation of powers helps avoid concentration of power in any single body whether in functions, personnel or authority. For example, in a dictatorial country/government the power is concentrated in the hands of the president or the Prime Minister. That is why there is extreme abuse and corruption.
Separation of Church and State
The concept of a “separation of church and state” reinforces the legal right of a free people to freely live their faith, even in public; without fear of government coercion. Free exercise means, you may have a faith and you may live it.
To practice where the people practice their religion without government interference.
Separation between church and state, means that the government cannot make laws that favor one religion over any other, because it cannot make laws related to the establishment of a religion or the free expression of religious beliefs.
In case of Corruption within the Church
- The church through its congregation of clergies can take action
Example: Pope Benedict XVI has granted the Congregation for Clergy new powers to dismiss from the priesthood and release from the obligation of celibacy priests who are living with women, who have abandoned their ministry for more than five years or who have engaged in seriously scandalous behavior. - The church can also fire any clergy for financial misappropriation.
- If the financial misappropriation is against public interest, the government/police will press charges. Like it did in the case of Arch. Navasard Kchoyan. Let’s not forget, STATE LAW IS SUPREME. The example you, Mr. Jabarian, gave on Coronavirus …the church has to obey the law of the land.
What if the Religious Council of Bishops is corrupt like it is in Etchmiadzin?
If it involves the removal of the Catholicos, the Religious Council of Bishops (the synod of yebisgoboses), must and will replace Karekin II.
If they are also part of the Mafia group and are corrupt, the situation gets complicated. In this case, the people should revolt, as they did, to remove Serzh Sargsyan.
If the Catholicos and the synod are found embezzling public funds, they can get arrested and sent to jail
If all of them are arrested, the possible scenarios will be… the supreme court will assign a new “care taking administration” until another election takes place.
Now is the time for each and every Armenian to speak up and revolt against Karekin II and the synod.