Belarus: State and Church Unite to Counter Societal Destabilization

In the town of Zhirovichy, Belarus, a significant event unfolded involving high-ranking officials from the Belarusian government and the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Igor Sergeenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly, and Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavsky, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, gave a joint interview. Their discussion centered on the collaborative efforts of the state and the church to counteract attempts to destabilize the moral fabric of Belarusian society. Sergeenko highlighted the coordinated policies of the state and the church in addressing these challenges. Metropolitan Benjamin emphasized the crucial role of spirituality in the well-being of society, stating, "In the present time, the spiritual component is very important for society, for the state, and for every individual." The event took place against a backdrop of increasing social and political complexities in Belarus, making this joint statement a notable development in the country's socio-political landscape. The interview underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between religious and secular institutions in maintaining social stability and promoting shared values.