ADRA Has a Seat at Major Humanitarian Round Table in Russia
17 February 2025 |
Faith-based organizations, ministries, and humanitarians gathered in Moscow, Russia, on January 29, 2025, for the Round Table on “Social Service of Religious Communities – Interfaith Exchange of Experience.” The event took place at the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate as part of the XXXIII International Christmas Educational Readings.
Leading the discussion was Maxim Pletnev, head of the Coordination Center for Combating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of the St. Petersburg Diocese’s Department for Charity and Social Service. The Seventh-day Adventist Church and ADRA in the Euro-Asia Division (ESD) presented their initiatives, contributing to discussions on faith-based humanitarian aid and interfaith cooperation. Oleg Goncharov, head of the Public Relations Department of the ESD; Alexander Leukhin, head of ADRA ESD; and Daniil Dudarev, head of ADRA Moscow, participated in the discussions as representatives.
Practical ways for faith-based organizations to carry out social service efforts were discussed. Extending spiritual and psychological support for victims of armed conflict, as well as for elderly citizens suffering from loneliness, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of combat veterans were part of the packed agenda.
Participants addressed other necessary steps such as how partnering with religious groups, non-profit organizations, and the Public Oversight Commission (POC) can advocate for more humane treatment of convicts, especially during rehabilitation. Additionally, instituting early intervention and community support of at-risk youths was also mentioned to avoid juvenile delinquency and later incarceration.
As one of the faith-based representatives, Leukhin noted the results of ADRA Russia’s aid in 2024 and how it will continue in 2025, such as the “Church Ready for Crisis” project, which, according to an ANN article, aims to train church members and volunteers in crisis response and humanitarian aid.
Both Leukhin and Dudarev highlighted the importance of collaboration between public aid and multiple religious organizations to provide effective support for those in crisis.
