Social and cultural and educational activities of religious organizations in Western Siberia at the end of the XX century (based on the materials of the Novosibirsk region)

Abstract

The article examines the social, charitable, cultural and educational activities of religious communities of the Novosibirsk region in the 1992-2000s. This study is based on the analysis of archival materials from the collections of the State Archive of the Novosibirsk region, Internet resources of religious organizations in Russia, as well as regulatory documents of the post-Soviet period of history. The period under study is characterized by harmonization in state-confessional relations, the assertion of freedom of conscience, the development of the system of religious education, social service of confessions. There is an increase in the number of different religious organizations, new religious centers are being revived and emerging in the regions. In addition, the number of rites performed has increased significantly, the number of priests has increased, and the process of returning religious property has also intensified. Religious organizations in Western Siberia, in addition to their liturgical activities, have taken the initiative to engage in social service, spiritual and moral education of the younger generation, charitable and cultural and educational activities. Large-scale social activities have been launched by religious organizations in all regions of Russia, including in the south of Western Siberia. On the territory of the Novosibirsk Region, religious communities carried out charitable work in correctional institutions, orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes, drug treatment dispensaries. By 2000 There were 32 charitable organizations in the Novosibirsk region, the largest of which were the Orthodox society "Mercy", the Catholic organization "Caritas", the International Bible Society, the Protestant mission "Gedeon Brothers", the Christian mission "Bible League in Siberia", etc.