Old Catholic Priest Criticizes Church-State Collusion as Religious Registration Debate Turns to Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

A debate initiated by Slovakia's ombudsman to review constitutional requirements for religious registration has transformed into fear-mongering about Islamic mosques, according to Martin Kováč, a priest from the Old Catholic Church. The constitutional challenge was originally filed by a small Christian denomination, but the discussion has shifted toward anti-Islamic rhetoric by politicians. Kováč argues that collaboration between churches and political power contradicts Jesus's teachings, questioning whether Slovakia remains truly Christian when churches protect their institutional monopoly instead of following Christ's message of love. The priest suggests it may be time to consider formal separation of church and state in Slovakia, where the Catholic Church has historically held significant influence and other denominations face stricter registration requirements.