Hurnievich Replied to Chakhovich: I Didn't Hear Calls for Hatred from Seviarynets

I read Uladzislau Chakhovich's post, which thoroughly criticized Pavel Seviarynets' interview with Nasta Roŭdzie. I read it, agreeing with some points, and strongly disagreeing with others. Unexpectedly, at the end, I saw that the author was also debating with me, because, unlike me, he did not see Seviarynets' depth there, but exclusively "demagoguery, fluff, detachment from reality, confusion in views, lack of a democratic core, and a shy concealment of his own traumas behind a mythical 'Christian majority'."

First and foremost, what I agree with Uladzislau on: there is no "Christian majority" in Belarus.

A classical Christian Democratic party could count on no more than 15% of seats in parliament (and that's a very optimistic scenario). Belarusian political tradition is predominantly left-leaning.

Belarusians are a nation of atheists.

Many of those who go to churches believe that by lighting a candle, they buy a share of a ticket to eternal dominion. But this is not faith in God. This is devotion to a cult. Such people sometimes push for "holy water," which the priest dispenses, because they believe it will cure their ailments. But they do not wish to adhere to the simple rule "God is love." Joseph Ratzinger wrote back in the 1950s that all of Europe would come to such "religiosity."

And finally, the group that can be called Christians is very small. But it's better to be small and true than empty but large. Pavel is a representative of this small group.

In my ideal world, a Christian is someone who cares about their spiritual development and does not dwell on others, on what they consider imperfect in them. He does not wage war with "sinners" but cares about himself, about the salvation of his own soul. He can offer his values to others but does not force others to adhere to them, does not command; he is not militant. At least, in this interview, I first sensed, and then heard, such from Pavel.

Uladzislau writes a lot about Pavel's homophobia. Our bubble on FB remembers how Pavel threatened gays with hell and allowed himself very aggressive statements.

In "Tok," I heard a different Seviarynets, who may disagree with something, consider it unacceptable for himself, but at the same time does not spread hatred towards people with whom he disagrees. He chose his words carefully so as not to offend.

This is where pluralism and democracy lie. Western Christian Democracy also once held an intolerant attitude towards LGBT, but this changed a few decades ago. Homophobia, even for a large part of conservatives, is an anachronism, something they are ashamed of. And this is the inevitable path for Belarusian Christian Democracy as well.

Seviarynets does not have to support the LGBT movement, or attend gay pride parades, but he also should not insult people for whom they love. That is why both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV did not allow themselves homophobic statements. Christianity is about respect and love, not about curses. And democracy, in my opinion, should work the same way. Both Christian and non-Christian.

I see no contradiction in a gay pride parade marching down Independence Avenue in the morning, and a procession of believers in the afternoon. These people do not have to fall into each other's arms, but they should not insult each other or call for hatred.

As Tolstoy wrote, let everyone sweep before their own door. "If everyone does that, the whole street will be clean."

And yes, Pavel Seviarynets is a fantastic Person. I did not hear calls to hate from him. And whom he loves is solely his business. And it should not be his business who loves or falls in love with others, and how.

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