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→Independence
The Orthodox within the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Macedonia), have consistently said they were granted autonomy by their mother church Serbia. No one in authority seems to deny that. It is clear that the Serbian Church later resiled from that position, perhaps under intense pressure from a geographically close Patriarchate or other Holy Synod.
: There was never such a "grant". A "grant" in church terminology would be - Tomos, and a Tomos was never issued to the Macedonian Orthodox Church. No stronger denial than this is needed. (Therefore, the statements below are disputable, to say at least.) [[User:K.panteleimon|K.panteleimon]] 20:31, June 1, 2009 (UTC)
However, most legal systems consider that once a grant of independence is made it cannot be taken back except by conquest or free treaty.
So the process of independence for Orthodox Churches is not so clear.
: What does "independence" in the Church mean? Independent from what? From Christ? What we in the Church value is not independence but unity in Christ - and this unity is achieved through communion. Nothing unclear here. [[User:K.panteleimon|K.panteleimon]] 20:31, June 1, 2009 (UTC)
The case of the Macedonian Orthodox Church is a fresh one with lots of invective and hatred shown on the three or four sides involved in the conflict. The Serbians have a strong position. The Greeks have a strong position. The Macedonians have a strong position. And the parallel jurisdiction recently set up within Macedonia by the Serbians also has a strong position.
: The position of MOC is opposition to the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. [[User:K.panteleimon|K.panteleimon]] 20:31, June 1, 2009 (UTC)
Plus there are the political powers who are using this cause for their own nationalistic or hegemonistic ends.
