Broken windows theory: why sharp polemics destroy the Church
Recently, we have seen how the authors of some Telegram channels, among whom are UOC clergy, allow themselves to make offensive statements toward the church leadership.
In criminology, there is the so-called "broken windows theory". Its essence is simple: if one window in a house is broken and not repaired for a long time, soon all the other windows will be broken, and eventually, vandals will start destroying the entire house. Why is that? Because a person perceives a broken window as a signal: no one cares about this house, so anything goes.
You might be surprised, but we believe that this theory applies not only to residential buildings but also to church life. Because when insults, humiliations, and unfounded accusations appear instead of healthy church discussions, and this remains unanswered, without condemnation, it opens the way to the slow destruction of the conciliar nature of the Church, and most importantly, to a schism in the minds and hearts of ordinary believers.
When words hurt the Church
Lately, we have seen how authors of some Telegram channels, among whom are UOC clergy, allow themselves to make offensive statements towards the church leadership. Others (like the ROC priest Georgy Maksimov or former UOC priest Gennady Shkil) allow themselves statements that discredit the UOC as a whole. We perceive all this as nothing less than throwing stones at the windows of our common home – the Church.
Unfortunately, we increasingly notice that some archpastors of the UOC continue the trend of destroying the Church's building, allowing themselves extremely harsh, offensive statements towards their fellow bishops.
For example, not long ago, one hierarch of the UOC called other hierarchs of the UOC "little dogs ready to perform commands for a master's handout." Later, he stated that among the pastors, there are "dogs" who are ready to forget about Christ's truth for approval or praise.
What can be said here? Even if there are vain people among the bishops of the UOC seeking praise, the words of this hierarch cannot but cause deep sorrow. We, ordinary believers, cannot understand: how can archbishops, who together perform the Divine Liturgy, partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, and say to one another "Christ is in our midst", then attach such humiliating labels to each other?
Moreover, verbal attacks on UOC hierarchs have long been echoed by a number of Telegram channels (it seems they were created for this purpose), positioning themselves as zealots of church interests. Meanwhile, they descend to outright meanness: they openly declare the cooperation of some hierarchs with special services, hint at dirty details of their personal lives, and portray them as traitors to the Church.
It hurts to read all this.
Thus, the authors of one Telegram channel published a post about an unnamed hierarch, fascinated by collecting church antiquities and antiques, who built not a monastery but a "dollhouse" in imitation of Athonite monasteries. Now, they say, he "will say whatever he is ordered" just to not lose his treasure. This is an obvious hint at a UOC archbishop, who quickly responded: "Those who showed weakness and succumbed to the pressure of their sponsors and curators are not at all shy in their expressions, mocking those who stood firm in loyalty to the Church's conciliar decisions."
A little earlier, the same archbishop criticized one of the UOC metropolitans (we believe, essentially deservedly, but in form –excessively harshly; and the publicity here was unnecessary). As a result, we witness how mutual accusations, inappropriate jokes, and harsh statements grow up like a snowball. All this could be attributed to human weaknesses if not for one "but": these words come from the mouths of archbishops and are spoken publicly. And so, each new insult is another broken window in the house of the Church.
What the Gospel says
Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).
Love is not just a feeling; it is the path of true relationship to one's neighbor. One should love both the one who errs and the one who speaks falsehood. Apostle Paul teaches: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
Can the words about "little dogs" and "dogs" be called an expression of love? Can forbearance be seen in public hints at someone’s dishonesty and betrayal? The answer is unequivocal: no.
Let's also remember what Christ says: "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone" (Matthew 18:15). Do you think your fellow bishop is wrong? Tell him personally. Not to the whole world, not through Telegram channels, not through hints, but privately and specifically. Didn't listen to you? Tell it in front of witnesses. Ignored again – tell it to the Church. Isn't that how the Savior taught us? And isn't that how you, bishops, should teach us, the laity? But we see the opposite: instead of the evangelical spirit of love – public insults, humiliations, and suspicions. It feels like blogger zeal has replaced the zeal for God in our pastors…
Whom do we harm with our words?
When bishops publicly insult each other, what or who suffers the most? No, not their reputation, but ordinary believers. People who love their Church, who pray for their archpastors, who strive to live according to the Gospel. What do they think when they see their spiritual fathers insulting one another, hinting at cooperation with special services, some other compromising information? How should believers treat the Church when they see this? How can they believe the words about love, unity, brotherhood when the preachers of these words publicly humiliate each other?
Apostle Paul writes: "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The apostle says that we must be united not in some political views, not in some other assessment of events but in the spirit of love and brotherhood. This is the main thing, and everything else is secondary.
Broken windows theory in action
Let's return to the broken windows theory.
The first offensive word, the first dirty hint or insult uttered by a bishop, tells others: it's allowed. It's allowed to insult, to humiliate, to make hints at compromising material. And so, the next insult will be even ruder, the next hint – even clearer, the next accusation – even heavier.
Thus, every harsh word towards a brother-bishop is a stone thrown at the window of our Church. And when there are many such stones, when the windows of the Church are broken and no one hurries to repair them, then the entire house of the Church may be at risk of destruction…
However, let's remember that despite all our disagreements, despite the differences in views on certain events, we remain members of one Church. We partake from one Chalice, we look together at the altar and say: "Christ is in our midst. – He is and will be."
How can we say these words if at the same time we consider a brother a "dog", a traitor, a collaborator with special services, or someone who fulfills the tasks of curators? Isn't this hypocrisy? Aren't we offending Christ Himself, Who is truly in our midst?
Apostle John the Theologian writes: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1 John 4:20).
That is why we, ordinary believers, ask you, archpastors: look at what is happening, see how many windows have already been broken in the house of our Church, how many wounds have been inflicted on the hearts of believers? Maybe, that's enough?
After all, you are bishops who are considered successors of the Holy Apostles. You bear a huge responsibility not only for the words of truth but also for how these words are spoken. Please, do not destroy with your words what has been built over centuries. Do not call each other offensive names. Do not make public hints at things that cause bewilderment and sorrow. Do not throw stones at the windows of the Church.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Right now, the Churches need peacemakers – those who will repair broken windows, heal wounds, and extinguish the flames of enmity that are already raging in our country. Your role is peace and unity, not war and division.
This does not mean that there should be no discussions. It does not mean that one cannot have different views on church-political issues. But discussions should be conducted in a spirit of love, not in the spirit of "rock bottom". The purpose of such discussions should be not to humiliate the opponent but to seek the truth together. And even if, in a debate, we consider someone our adversary, we must treat them with love, because they are our fellow members; like us, they are part of the Body of Christ. That means when we wound one another with insults and accusations, we wound Christ Himself. Moreover, in doing so, we destroy the unity of the Church; we destroy what Christ has created with His Blood.
And let's more often remember the words of the Apostle John: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (1 John 4:20).”
