A historic religious liberty conference, co-sponsored by the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) and Kurgan State University, was held October 11 and 12 in the capital city of Kurgan.  Some 200 participants from eight regions attended, including state officials, religious leaders, and scientists.

The conference established a new branch of the Russian Chapter of IRLA.  The branch board that was chosen includes a broad range of participants, including members of the Russian Orthodox, Muslims, scientists and some state officials (in their individual capacities). The leaders of the new branch are Alexander Medvedev, a professor of Ural University, and Alexey Plahota, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor.

According to Dr. John Graz, IRLA secretary general, the Russian IRLA chapter “is playing a leading role in the territory of the former Soviet Union in promoting the principle of religious freedom.”