Representatives of religious organisations, federal agencies, experts and academics discussed the development of religious organisations’ social and charity projects.
In their remarks, meeting participants noted that the values of serving our neighbours and solidarity united the adepts of all traditional religions. According to sociological data, an overwhelming majority of Russian citizens have a positive opinion of religious organisations’ contribution to resolving social issues.
Representatives of all religious communities help orphans and children from problem families, senior citizens and people with disabilities. They care for the ill, support families with many children, are actively involved in spiritual, moral and patriotic education for children and young people, conduct important work to help recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, work with prison inmates, help former prisoners to return to normal life and also assist in the adaptation and integration of migrants.
It was noted that the state was creating the required legislative framework, providing organisational and financial support for social, cultural and charity programmes of the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious denominations.
After the meeting, its participants drafted recommendations to strengthen the role of Russia’s traditional religious organisations in implementing beneficial social projects in various areas.
They also supported the initiative of Russian religious leaders to provide humanitarian relief aid to the people of Syria.