The Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) has strongly refuted claims suggesting that it is negotiating with the authorities of the self-declared Republic of Kosovo to establish a separate "Kosovo Orthodox Church." The accusations, which first emerged in the Serbian newspaper Danas and through statements made by the movement "For the Renewal of the Kingdom of Serbia," were vehemently denied by the Church.

The Diocese of Raška and Prizren, which oversees the ancient monasteries of Kosovo, issued an official statement denouncing the reports as "lies and malicious fabrications." The diocese emphasized that no such document or agreement has ever existed or been discussed within the Church's leadership.

"This is an attempt to sow division and discord among the faithful," the statement read. The reports in question also suggested that the Serbian Church might be willing to relinquish its holy sites in Kosovo — a region historically considered the spiritual heart of Serbian Orthodoxy. Kosovo is home to significant monasteries, such as the Visoki Dečani and the Patriarchate of Peć, which are central to the Serbian Church's 800-year history in the region.

The Serbian Orthodox Church also issued a separate message clarifying that it is not involved in any political negotiations concerning the status of Kosovo. The Church reiterated its position, stating that it only demands one thing: respect for basic human rights and religious freedoms, as guaranteed by international law. The Church stressed that it would not compromise on the sanctity of its spiritual heritage or national dignity.

In the statement, the Serbian Church urged the media to exercise responsibility in reporting on such sensitive matters, particularly those that involve the Church's spiritual legacy and the national pride of the Serbian people. The Church's leadership called for an end to the spread of unverified rumors that could potentially harm the unity of the faithful and the integrity of the Serbian Orthodox community.

The rejection of these claims comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Kosovo's political and religious status, with many in Serbia still viewing Kosovo as an integral part of their spiritual and national identity. The Serbian Orthodox Church remains a key institution in upholding the Serbian presence in Kosovo, where it continues to manage important religious sites despite the region’s disputed political status.