Governor Speaks with Religious Leaders

Yekaterinburg, Russia — The governor of the Sverdlovsk region Edward Rossel met with the heads of religious organizations in the region. Those participating included: Yekaterinburg’s archbishop Vikentii, the region’s mufti Sibgattula Hajji, and the region’s chief rabbi Zelig Ashkenazi. Participants thanked Rossel for the support of the religions throughout the Urals and for promoting the education regarding religious diversity. Rabbi Ashkenazi reminded others about the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Putin previously wrote in a formal address: We need to “depend on the country’s moral values,” which have formed over thousands of years, Ashkenazi repeated. Adding that the Urals are a place of many religions where people from different places live in peace and agreement.

Discussion of an all-encompassing Congress that would include all the citizens of the region and their collective spiritual education was also brought to the table. Specifically, religious leaders were interested in how such a Congress could appeal and educate the younger generations. Later, the Rossel thanked leaders for taking an active part in these programs, and confirmed that all suggestions brought up at the conference would be discussed thoroughly. “We support and will continue to support those religions that are traditionally a part of the Urals,” said Rossel. “They add an important value to formulating connections throughout the world and building interfaith relationships in the Urals. ”