World Council of Churches supports Armenian Apostolic Church

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued a statement supporting the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) amid an ongoing confrontation with the Armenian government. The WCC expressed concern regarding “undue influence” and interference in the internal affairs of the church.

Tensions between the AAC and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration escalated in May 2025 after government officials accused Catholicos Karekin II of violating his vow of celibacy. Following these accusations, Pashinyan called for the Catholicos’ resignation, and the ruling Civil Contract party included the replacement of the church leadership in its election platform.

Supporters of the church report that between one-third and one-half of the denomination’s bishops have been arrested during the dispute, and Karekin II has been prevented from traveling abroad. While critics have compared the government's actions to Soviet-era authoritarianism, Pashinyan maintains his actions are necessary to protect the church from “anti-Christian” and “anti-state” forces.

Legal actions against church figures have intensified, including the September 2025 sentencing of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan to two years in prison. Prosecutors alleged the archbishop encouraged the undemocratic overthrow of the government.