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SPbCU hosted the International Conference "Christianity and social problems of society" May 26-29

The conference was attended by about 50 people from different cities of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and the United States.

Papers were presented on a wide variety of topics. V.A. Bachinin gave a report on alternatives to the ideas in a Christian ecumenical social discourse. The speaker paid special attention to interaction of the Russian Orthodox Church with worldwide ecumenical movement. V.V. Ryzhov devoted his report to information as dependency and spiritual identity of the young people.

I.M. Savich in his report gave an overall assessment of the causes of sin in society as a whole and showed ways to solve problems from a Biblical perspective. G.S. Solodova described the reproduction of Christian beliefs in the socio-economic representations of modern youth of Russia.
At the second meeting E.I. Morohova showed the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the spiritual and moral upbringing of modern society, A.I. Negrov in his report examined in detail ascetic theology - mystical and social activity described in 1 John , O.D. Masloboeva, gave a philosophical analysis of what it means to be modern person in our society.

Our guest from abroad Glen Schwartz spoke in detail about the possibilities of collecting funds, even in seemingly very poor countries. In doing so, interaction with Christian organizations is a necessary and important part. Mark Eliott gave an account of missionary work in Russia with children groups at risk. He spoke on issues of adoption and interaction with children in orphanages.

All presented reports aroused keen interest among the conference participants. There were a lot of questions and statements.
Apart from the sessions worked on the following areas:
1. Social conditions and transformation of modern society
2. Christian social and spiritual work
3. Questions about family
4. Social issues from a Biblical-theological perspective
5. Interaction of the Church and State in solving social problems
6. Christian social doctrine

It is difficult to describe all the different subjects that were presented in a short letter. One thing is certain; there were many important and relevant to life reports. According to feedback from participants, the conference was very fruitful.

There were suggestions to make it more frequent, and have it at least once every two years based at SPbCU. Many of the participants noted a high level of organization of the conference and that the reports touched some really important questions. Laying a foundation for further discussions.
The round table was organized at the end of the Conference, where participants could freely express their impressions and suggestions.

Here are some reviews:
V.L. Larichev said: "I've renewed my heart and started to understand more of what is going on in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The world is very complex. Thanks to everybody for fellowship".
Yevgeny Novitsky: "We would like to see more students. Two days clearly not enough. Conference was excellent ".
A.I. Negrov: "Some of our students are on a missionary trip in Soltsy. They should return soon. Thanks to everybody for your participation. Blessing".
V.V. Ryzhov ended with a prayer.