UOJ editor-in-chief in U.S. issues statement on attacks against the outlet

On June 10, 2025, Benjamin Dixon, Editor-in-Chief of the American branch of the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ), issued an official statement in response to escalating efforts to discredit the organization.

In his address to media outlets, journalists, and bloggers, Dixon warned that UOJ is prepared to defend its reputation through legal action. According to him, the editorial team is tired of baseless accusations of "collaboration with Russia" and "working for the Kremlin."

Demand for evidence

“If you claim that we are financed by Moscow — provide proof. If you assert that we operate under the Kremlin’s directives — present evidence of such instructions or support from the Kremlin or any Russian organization,” said Dixon. Otherwise, he emphasized, slanderers will be held accountable for their words in court.

Dixon issued a “Christian warning” to anyone who has already published or intends to publish defamatory content: they still have the opportunity to retract these materials voluntarily. If they do not, UOJ will take legal action.

UOJ's editorial principles

The statement clearly outlined the outlet’s position on key issues. Dixon stressed that the only authority guiding UOJ’s editorial policy is “the Gospel of Christ, the canons of the Orthodox Church, and the ethical responsibility of a journalist to convey accurate and truthful information about religious life.”

He emphasized that UOJ serves “no political agenda, no government, and no worldly power.” The mission of the outlet is to serve Christ and to defend the religious freedom of Orthodox Christians.

Position on the Ukrainian issue

Special attention was given to the UOJ’s stance on the Ukrainian church crisis. Dixon reminded readers that the outlet:

• Condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine from day one of the conflict
• Categorically opposes war in all its forms
• Recognizes the Russian Orthodox Church as a canonical entity but condemns its leadership’s support for the war
• Views Constantinople’s decision to grant autocephaly to the OCU as “a grave mistake and a violation of canonical order”
• Fully prepared for legal action

“Our reputation is worth more than any amount of money,” Dixon stated, affirming the editorial team’s readiness to invest time and resources into legal proceedings. He warned that compensation for moral damages would “far exceed any fees earned for defaming our good name.”

The U.S. editor-in-chief emphasized that in court, accusers “will not be able to hide behind opinions” and will be required to substantiate each of their claims with specific evidence.

Earlier, the UOJ explained why it had found it necessary to defend its rights in European courts.