Russia has unique interreligious relations. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' said this at a meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" entitled "Russia - Islamic World: traditional spiritual and moral values as a basis for interreligious cooperation." The event was held at the Kazan Town Hall as part of the 14th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum".
The cleric reminded that the Interreligious Council, comprised of representatives of traditional religions of Russia: Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism, has been functioning in Russia since 1998. The council helps the leaders of traditional religions coordinate their activities.
According to the Patriarch, many colleagues in the West wonder why such a council is necessary. To this he replies: "We have lived together throughout history, belonged to this country, lived together. This historical experience of living together, of cooperation, has led to a special atmosphere of trust and dialogue. Russia has a unique interreligious relationship, and all representatives of traditional confessions must welcome this tradition."
The Russian Orthodox Church, as the Patriarch emphasized, maintains relations with Muslims, since the fundamental values of the two confessions are identical. The head of the ROC expressed the hope for the further development of cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. The ROC, for its part, is ready to support it in every way possible.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the Russian Orthodox Church