Is the UN Biased Against Traditional Religion? The URRC's Experience

By M. Derosiers 

NEW YORK 11 July 2026 (NRom)

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church has been an organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2019. In that role, it regularly participates in meetings and provides invited statement on matters of world importance. Recently, the Church's UN representatives submitted an invited statement for the 2026 ECOSOC High-Level Segment. This statement focused on the need for ethical frameworks in the SDG implementation process and spoke of the role religious organizations should play. The statement was rejected by the UN staff. 

Below is copied the statement, the rejection issued by the ECOSOC staff, the Church’s response, and the subsequent reply that did not address the substance of its objection.

The Church’s statement expressly addressed the 2030 Agenda and the ethical, social, institutional, technological, and environmental framework necessary for transformative and coordinated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The stated reason for rejection — that the submission was not focused on the annual theme — is therefore difficult to reconcile with the text itself.

Viewed together with periodic prior rejections of religiously grounded submissions, the continued failure to update the Church’s recognized legal name despite repeated documentation, vague demands for unspecified “correct documents,” and the absence of substantive responses to requests for clarification, this record raises serious concerns regarding systemic bias against traditional religious perspectives within the participation process.

Readers may review the complete documents below and reach their own conclusions.

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2026 session
13 - 16 July 2026
ECOSOC High-Level Segment

Objective 

This statement is submitted by the Holy Apostolic See of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church in the context of ongoing deliberations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Speaking on behalf of His Holiness the Roman-Ruthenian Pope, we offer a perspective founded on longstanding moral and social tradition concerning the dignity of the human person and the foundations of authentic development. We present these reflections as a contribution to advancing a vision of development that is integral, just, and ordered toward the true flourishing of all.

Statement

Flowing from the perennial social doctrine and living Tradition of the Church, the Holy Apostolic See of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church, on behalf of His Holiness the Roman-Ruthenian Pope, affirms that authentic development must be integral, promoting the dignity of the whole human person, body and soul, created in the image of God, and the flourishing of every community. Economic, social, and environmental policies cannot be considered in isolation from moral law and natural order, which safeguard human dignity and the common good.

We emphasize that the family, founded upon the sacrament of marriage, is the fundamental unit of society and the primary agent of sustainable development. Policies that strengthen family stability, protect life at all stages, and uphold parental rights in education are essential to long-term social and economic resilience. Development strategies that neglect these risk undermining the very communities they seek to support.

In advancing the 2030 Agenda, we urge renewed commitment to subsidiarity, solidarity, and authentic communion among persons and communities. Local communities, faith-based organizations, and civil society actors possess irreplaceable knowledge and capacity to address poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges. Their role should be strengthened through just and equitable partnerships.

We call for an ethical framework to guide technological progress. While innovation can serve the common good, it must remain ordered towards truth and never instrumentalize human life, diminish moral responsibility, or reduce the human person to an object of efficiency, manipulation, or control.

Care for creation flows from reverence for the Creator and recognition of the world as a gift. Environmental action must therefore respect the legitimate needs of developing nations and the poor.

Lasting transformation requires structural change alongside moral and spiritual renewal grounded in truth, justice, and charity. Without this, efforts toward sustainable development will remain incomplete. We stand ready to collaborate with Member States and stakeholders in promoting a vision of development that is built on justice and the dignity of every person.

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UN ECOSOC Rejection Email: 

Thank you for submitting a written statement for the 2026 High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We regret to inform you that we were unable to submit your statement to ECOSOC, as the content was not focused on this year’s theme which is: Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all, and the theme of the general debate: Delivering better: accelerating urgent and transformative action to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

We hope you will consider contributing to the ECOSOC High-level Segment in the future. In that perspective, we strongly encourage you to tailor any future statement to the intergovernmental body you are contributing to, and in the case of ECOSOC, to focus on its annual main theme, as per the guidance provided in the open call for statements launched for all NGOs in consultative status. As the rationale for seeking views from the NGO community lies in its capacity to provide information and recommendations from the grass root level and in various areas of technical expertise, ECOSOC is expected to receive substantive and well-focused contributions that will help the global policy making process in the field of sustainable development, as per the Council’s mandate.

In the meantime, should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us.

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Roman-Ruthenian Reply to the United Nations: 

We acknowledge receipt of your decision.

The stated reason for rejection is not supported by the content of the submission. The statement expressly addressed the 2030 Agenda and identified the moral, social, institutional, environmental, and technological framework necessary for transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated SDG implementation by 2030. Given the strict word limit, the Church contributed precisely in the area in which it is best positioned to speak as an invited participant.

The rejection therefore gives the strong impression that the statement was not meaningfully read or evaluated on its actual content. Moreover, in light of previous rejections of similarly religiously grounded submissions, this pattern raises a serious concern of systemic bias against faith-based perspectives, notwithstanding repeated claims that diverse civil-society contributions are welcomed.

We are not requesting reconsideration. We are placing our objection to the stated rationale, and our concern regarding the treatment of religious viewpoints, clearly on the record.

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Reply from the United Nations ECOSOC

It appears that you are responding to message #547121.

Thank you for submitting a written statement for the 2026 High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). While your written statement was included in last year’s compilation, we regret to inform you that we were unable to include your statement in this year’s submission to ECOSOC.

We appreciate your interest in contributing to the ECOSOC High-level Segment and hope that you will consider participating in future opportunities.

The Apostolic Household: Service Beyond Ceremony

By A. DiNardo

ROME-RUTHENIA 10 July 2026 (NRom)

When many people hear the word "pope," they naturally think of the Bishop of Rome of the Roman Catholic Church. Christianity, however, has long included other churches whose primates also bear the ancient title of pope. Among these are the Roman-Ruthenian Pope, the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria, and the Greek Orthodox Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. Like other historic Christian communions, behind the public ministry of the Roman-Ruthenian Pope stands a household, a family, and a community of service.

T.A.H. the Roman-Ruthenian Pope and Apostolic Princess with
 H.M.S.H. the Duke and Duchess of Lower-Silesia, members of the Pontifical Court

The Apostolic Household, more formally known as the Pontifical and Imperial House of Rome-Ruthenia, consists of the immediate family of the Roman-Ruthenian Pope (Prince-Bishop of Rome-Ruthenia) together with officials entrusted with supporting the life and mission of the Holy Apostolic See. While the Pontifical Court administers the ceremonial and governmental functions of the Church and State, the Household provides the continuity of family, heritage, and daily life that supports the ministry of the Supreme Pontiff.

A Living Household

At the heart of the Household is His Apostolic Highness Pope Radislav I, joined by Her Apostolic Highness Apostolic Princess Anna Alexandrovna, whose support and shared commitment to faith strengthen the worldwide mission of the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State. Like many ecclesiastical  and dynastic houses throughout Christian history, the Pontifical Household is not defined by ceremony alone. It is a family whose members share in the responsibilities of hospitality, representation, cultural preservation, philanthropy, and service.

T.A.H. the Roman-Ruthenian Pope and Apostolic Princess

Its daily affairs are coordinated through the Chancery of the Household under the direction of the Pontifical Majordomo, while the Private Office of His Apostolic Highness assists the Pope in the execution of his personal and pontifical responsibilities.

Service Across the Years

The public may expect most often to see the Roman-Ruthenian Pope celebrating the Divine Liturgy, addressing international audiences, or participating in diplomacy. These are certainly part of His Holiness's obligations. Less visible are the decades of preparation that shape that public ministry. Long before assuming the papacy, Pope Radislav's life encompassed international travel, academic work, humanitarian service, diplomacy, and cultural engagement. These are experiences that continue to inform his ministry today.

Even in childhood, Pope Radislav found himself—quite literally—at the seat of leadership.
Captured here sitting in the Speaker’s chair of the Dutch Parliament,
this unscripted moment reflects the early presence of civic and international
life that would go on to shape his vocation. Far from ceremony, this image
 embodies a quiet foreshadowing of future diplomatic and ecclesiastical leadership.

The Apostolic Household's photographic archive reveals a life lived across many different settings: early visits to historic Christian sites, humanitarian travel, academic work, international conferences, meetings with church leaders and diplomats, humanitarian outreach, outdoor pursuits, and the quieter moments of family life. Taken together, these images document a lifetime devoted to education, faith, diplomacy, and service.

Long before assuming the Roman-Ruthenian papacy, Pope Radislav engaged
with leaders from many walks of public life. Throughout the years, such encounters
have reflected a continuing commitment to dialogue across civic,
academic, religious, and international communities.

Heritage in Service of the Present

The Apostolic Household is also entrusted with preserving the historical traditions associated with the Roman-Ruthenian Church and State. Its heritage reflects influences from both the Latin and Eastern Christian traditions, together with broader European and global historical connections that have shaped the Church's identity over many centuries. Yet heritage is not an end in itself. It is a responsibility; one that calls each generation to preserve what it has received while serving the needs of the present.

Beyond Ceremony

When one thinks of a papacy, images of solemn ceremonies and rich vestments often come to mind. Yet, the work of the Apostolic Household extends well beyond formal occasions. Members support charitable initiatives, encourage interfaith understanding, assist cultural preservation, and represent the Church in educational, humanitarian, and diplomatic settings.

Whether meeting with clergy, scholars, civic leaders, military representatives, or ordinary families, the purpose remains the same: to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and promote the common good.

A Family Behind the Office

Every public office has a human story behind it. The Apostolic Household reminds us that leadership is sustained not only by institutions, but also by family, faith, and the quiet continuity of everyday life. While the Roman-Ruthenian Pope serves as the visible shepherd of the Church, the Household stands beside him supporting a mission that extends across cultures, traditions, and generations.

Behind every public office is a shared life. Moments of quiet family
companionship sustain the ministry and mission of the Apostolic Household.

Explore the Gallery

The official gallery of the Pontifical Imperial Household offers a visual journey through that story, from early childhood and formative experiences to international diplomacy, humanitarian service, academic life, and the continuing work of the Holy Apostolic See.

View the Gallery here.

Discover the Legacy

The work of the Apostolic Household is a living historical tradition that spans many centuries. Those interested in the broader history of the House, including its historical development, archival images, and the heritage preserved across multiple generations, are invited to explore the legacy page here, which provides a deeper look at the heritage that continues to underpin the Household's mission today.