University Encourages Interfaith Understanding

'The Contemporary Challenges Facing the Traditional Religions of Russia' conference took place in March this year under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Ioann of Belgorod and Stary Oskol at the Faculty of Theology and Social Science. During the conference, it was decided that works of Islamic literature be transferred to the University library. Mufti Ğaynetdin came personally in order to effect this donation. Students from the Faculty of Theology and Social Science took part in the formal hand-over of the books, which will help shed light on the roots, history and culture of the traditional religions of Russia.

The Faculty staff believe that this promotion of further interaction between traditional religions and society is a factor in maintaining societal stability. This helps to strengthen the role traditional religions play in the prevention of religious extremism and terrorism in modern Russia. Interfaith cooperation enhances the role played by traditional religions in preserving and strengthening national identity and self-awareness.