More than 300 political and religious leaders met November 13 and 14 for a first-ever summit on the role of religious organizations in Russian society.  Focusing on topics ranging from the prevention of xenophobia and extremism, to creating a culture of interreligious dialogue and cooperation, the meeting attracted leaders from all major religious groups, including Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Protestants, and Russian Orthodox Christians.

Victor Krushenitsky, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Russia, was invited to address the group.  He spoke on the Adventist Church’s relationship with other Christian organizations, saying that successful interconfessional dialogue is an important component in reducing tensions in the new religious landscape of post-communist Russia. 

Krushenitsky says the opportunity to address the gathering of distinguished leaders, and to meet with them between sessions, was important in fostering recognition of the Adventist Church in Russia.

Patriarch Alexy II, of the Russian Orthodox Church, also spoke at the gathering, along with representatives of other denominations.

The meeting was sponsored by the Interreligious Committee of Russia and the Federal Ministry of National and Migration Policy and drew participants from both Russia and the independent states of the former Soviet Union.  Vladimir Putin, president of the Russian Federation, sent greetings to participants, wishing them well in their dialogue. 

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