One of the priority tasks in the Russian Federation consists in developing democratic social relations based on tolerance, unity of all forces in society, regardless of their attitude or affiliation to religion or religious groups, strengthening inter-religious peace as part of overall peace and public accord in our country, support of religious organizations that are traditional in Russia and represent the historical and cultural heritage of its peoples.

The Russian Federation is a unique example of peaceful coexistence of followers of various religions. Russia is a multinational country with many religious groups with no priority given to any particular religion or confession. As leaders of religious organizations themselves emphasize, most of the Russian religions have established close cooperation both between religious groups themselves and with the authorities.

Summer 2006 saw the 3 rd International Forum “Islam and Judaism: Ways to Dialogue and Cooperation”, where representatives of Abrahamic religions sought for solutions to contemporary problems of society. In November 2005 a joint press-conference of Russian Muslims and Catholics took place, thus marking the 40 th anniversary of the “NOSTRA AETATE” Declaration of the Vatican. During a recent meeting between Archbishop Tadeuš Kondrusevic and Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Rawil Ghaynetdin the intention to continue cooperation was reaffirmed.

In December 2006 representatives of Judaic and Muslim communities of Russia declared their intention to unite efforts with those of the Russian Orthodox Church to establish a charity foundation in support of wounded veterans.

In January 2007 the Working Group on Cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church met for a regular meeting to express interest of both parties in developing their relations for the benefit of all their followers.

Leaders of Protestant communities of Russia arrange an annual prayer breakfast inviting representatives of the government and public activists.

Besides, representatives of Russian religious communities arrange joint press-conferences on urgent social issues.

The fact that the Interreligious Council of Russia has arranged a number of large international conferences on ethics, tolerance, education, interethnic and interreligious dialogue serves to prove that Russia is open for interfaith dialogue and attaches great importance to its promotion.

Among other important international events devoted to promoting inter-religious dialogue and cooperation the following are worth mentioning:

The Outcome documents of these forums imperatively declare preservation and protection of such universal values as morals, dignity of the human person, freedom of conscience, development of intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue.

It is also important to mention that during Russia’s presidency in various international forums and organizations the issue of promoting inter-religious, intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue is considered to be among the priority themes of the Russian Federation. Thus, the 2006 World Summit of Religious Leaders was held immediately before the G-8 Summit in Saint-Petersbourg. A number of the aforementioned international events and conferences was also held in the framework of the Chairmanship of Russia in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Russian religious leaders have declared their readiness to develop dialogue with socio-political organizations of civil society and international organizations. Such dialogue will allow religious groups to make their input into accord and mutual understanding between peoples.