Purpose:
Establishing interfaith dialogue and guaranteeing freedom of thought and religion
Stimulus/Rationale:
At the initiative of the mayor of the City of Lutsk, Mr. Ihor Polishchuk, the Lutsk Council of Churches was established in January 2021. Its aim is to establish interfaith dialogue, to guarantee the principles of freedom of thought and religion, and to engage religious communities in addressing the issues of urban territorial community life on the basis of spirituality and integrity. Seven different churches were members at its foundation.
Process:
Meetings of the Council are held monthly with the participation of the mayor.
During the first year of its existence, the Council work focused on the following four priorities:
- Organising lectures on religious ethics and promoting tolerant attitudes towards representatives of other religions in educational institutions. Teachers, religious representatives, scientists and other specialists were recruited to develop the course.
- Carrying out preventive work with young people (regarding harmful habits, discrimination, hate expressions (verbal and in the media)).
- Cooperating with local TV stations so that members of the Lutsk Council of Churches can address the public on current issues.
- Organising prayer breakfasts and charity events in the city community.
Key reference documents: https://www.lutskrada.gov.ua/pages/lutska-rada-tserkov
