ARF Urges Armenian Clergy Independence in U.S. Diplomacy
Access, independence and responsibility
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation's Eastern United States chapter has raised concerns about the framework of a September 16 White House meeting with Armenian spiritual leaders. While welcoming clergy engagement with U.S. officials, the ARF argued that Armenian-American churches should participate as independent institutions rather than as part of a delegation organized by Armenia's government embassy.
The statement emphasized that ecclesiastical moral authority depends on independence from political power. It noted that key concerns—including Armenian hostages detained in Azerbaijan, displaced Artsakh Armenians' rights, and protection of Armenian cultural heritage—were not adequately reflected in the meeting's official presentation.
The ARF urged Armenian clergy to engage confidently with the White House under any administration, but as autonomous leaders rather than instruments of diplomatic agendas. It also stressed that clergy engagement should not substitute for substantive engagement with Armenian-American civic and advocacy organizations.
