Following the statement made on July 4 by the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Georgian Patriarchy was visited on their own initiative by representatives of the Parliament of Georgia with the purpose to offer an amended version of the passed the first reading bill in which still was stated the unconditional acceptance of the registration of religious associations as the public legal entities.

Patriarchy once again proposed to suspend the adoption of the bill until the further public consultations and the achievement of public consensus.

Patriarchy also suggested the compromised version of the bill made on the basis of international experience.

The agreement did not take place, which is very unfortunate, because the new law is contrary to the interests of the church and the interests of the country.

We believe that in the nearest future the law will lead to the negative consequences and the responsibility for those consequences lies with the government.