At the closing Ceremony of the international conference on Comparative Studies of Ethics in Islamic and Christianity, which was held at Sheikh Tusi Conference Hall, Qom, Iran, Priest Nikita Kuznetsov, was one of the lecturers.
The President of Kazan Orthodox Theological University in Russia emphasized that shared ethical challenges, such as abortion, require a global approach to counter the contemporary human’s distancing from fundamental values.
Priest Nikita Kuznetsov expressed his gratitude to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Archbishop, and the Kazan Bishop for their support and effective role in organizing the Second International Conference on Ethics in Islam and Christianity.
He also thanked the warm hospitality of the Iranian hosts, noting that it encouraged him to accept a second invitation to participate in the event.
Dialogue Between Islam and Christianity
Priest Kuznetsov described the formation of such interfaith dialogue as a source of blessing and emphasized its importance in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation. He highlighted that these conversations are especially valuable for fostering empathy, collaboration, and a deeper comprehension among followers of Islam and Christianity.
Global Ethical Challenges and the Risk of a “New Religion”
Focusing on the central theme of the conference, Kuznetsov stated that the ethical issues discussed are common and global, confronting societies and believers with similar challenges. He cited abortion as a prime example, noting that it raises difficult questions across all religions.
These challenges are not confined to a single country or faith, he stressed, but are universal, necessitating a global response.
Expressing concern, he added that in many cases, contemporary humans are forced to distance themselves from core values, sometimes embracing a so-called “new religion” that may involve sin and misguidance under social and cultural pressures.