AGBU Central Board Letter to Ruben Rubinyan, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and Members of the National Assembly
Dear Mr. Rubinyan,
The 2026-2031 Program of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, submitted to the National Assembly on August 20, 2026 for consideration and approval, included a comprehensive series of initiatives that the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) recognizes is not our role to comment on.
Where we continue to have strong concern is with the provisions involving the Armenian Apostolic Church, which for centuries has kept alive the Christian faith around the globe, preserved the Armenian identity, and maintained the unity of Armenians worldwide. With the vast majority of its faithful living outside the borders of the Republic of Armenia, the Church has always maintained its independent self-governance.
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In line with this history, as well as the Republic of Armenia’s own Constitution and Laws, international protections of religious freedom and Canon Law, the Church-related elements in the Government’s Program, specifically those relating to the retirement or election of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the adoption of the Charter of the Church, are not matters to be dictated by any political authority. This centuries-old principle of self-governance reflects the global nature and role of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
We respectfully ask that the National Assembly decline the government’s request to intervene on this issue and respect the established and time-honored principles of Church governance.
Respectfully yours,
AGBU Central Board
Letter delivered in the early morning of August 25, for consideration.