Respect, understanding, consent
Unfortunately, society has not yet moved away from conflicts that arise on ethnic and religious grounds. In different parts of the world they create social tension, which often results in major tragedies. And this is what makes the experience of peaceful Belarus unique, where for centuries various ethnic groups with their own traditions and religions have found a safe haven. And our young state, which actively advocates for a multipolar, just world, is strengthening this tradition. At all his meetings with representatives of the religious faiths, the Belarusian leader emphasizes the importance of such a position for national policy. Let's use historical facts and modern parallels to understand why this really is of great importance for us and for the entire world.
The experience of interaction with various cultural traditions is an integral part of the historical path of Belarus, which has always been at the crossroads of civilizations that are part of various states. At the same time, the Baptism of Rus in 988 determined the key role of Eastern Christianity (Orthodoxy) in the formation of Belarusian statehood. It was thanks to this that we developed Christian writing and, as a consequence, literature, started building the first stone churches and expanded contacts with advanced countries. At the same time, a significant role in the development of the Belarusian lands was played by the Catholic and Protestant churches, which testifies to centuries of experience of interaction with the Western Christian tradition. Thanks to them, Belarusian culture was able to become a participant in such important processes as the religious Reformation and Counter-Reformation, the Renaissance
Throughout our centuries-long history, there have been no religious wars on our lands, and the conflicts that did arise were mostly resolved in a peaceful, civilized manner. This, of course, attracted representatives of various religious groups. For example, in the 14th century, Jews came to the Belarusian lands to escape persecution. Tatars were invited to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by Prince Vytautas. For many centuries they have preserved their culture and faith, contributed to the development of Belarus, and taken an active part in defending our homeland from external enemies.
Unique historical experience has played a key role in the formation of a tolerant attitude towards representatives of various cultures who respect Belarus and our laws, traditions and customs. The successful integration of various religious and cultural traditions has contributed to the formation of a richer Belarusian national culture and an understanding at the mental level of the importance of dialogue and cooperation.
The model of confessional policy formed in modern Belarus presupposes the widest possible interaction of the secular state with all faiths, support for their constructive initiatives and creation of the necessary conditions for activity. A striking example is the ‑Memorial Church in honor of All Saints in Minsk, in the crypt of which the remains of those who died during the war of 1812, the First World War and the Great Patriotic War are buried. It was there that the "Prayer for Belarus" was held in 2015, which was attended by the primates of all traditional faiths.
Important points of intersection of state and confessional interests are the promotion of traditional values (including patriotic education, strengthening the institution of the family, prevention of deviant behavior), improving the culture of the Belarusian population, and the implementation of social projects. Cooperation within the framework of the "respect—understanding—consent" model proposed by the President will strengthen interfaith peace, intensify the implementation of joint projects, and confirm the inseparability of all traditional faiths from the historical fate of the Belarusian people and state.
Our centuries-old experience of dialogue between religions and the modern model of confessional politics can also be in demand in the international arena. The model we have developed and the communication channels we have created are relevant for resolving conflicts in different countries.
The creation and popularization of famous spiritual centers of all traditional faiths in Belarus contributes to strengthening unity. Much has been done in the Zhirovichi Monastery, the Minsk Cathedral Mosque was opened in 2016, and the Church of the Mother of God in Budslava was restored after the fire. It is important that their creation become a truly national project in which all Belarusians, regardless of nationality and religious beliefs, could participate. This will have a serious impact on the formation of pride in our Belarus and the strengthening of interfaith peace. Only through the joint efforts of the state, faiths and society will we be able not only to preserve, but also to strengthen state sovereignty and national unity.