November 26, 2024
Joining with the Bible Society of Uzbekistan, we celebrate the successful visit of Elaine Duncan, UBS Fellowship Council Chair and CEO of the Scottish Bible Society, to the ‘Religious Tolerance in New Uzbekistan’ Conference held in Tashkent in November.
Talking about her experience, Elaine Duncan shared:
“It has been a wonderful visit to Uzbekistan to take part in the government-organized conference on religious tolerance and to see the work of the Bible Society. I have grown in my understanding of this part of Central Asia with its challenges and opportunities for Bible ministry.”
“It was a joy to join Egor and Vladimir in this Bible distribution opportunity in a church in Sama rkand.”
The event, held in honour of the International Day for Tolerance, focused on enhancing religious tolerance, fostering interfaith harmony, addressing current issues, and identifying solutions.
Co-organized by the Committees on Religious Affairs, Interethnic Relations, and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, it brought together experts from countries such as the US, UK, South Korea, Türkiye, and others, alongside UNESCO representatives, diplomats, theologians, and scholars.
Egor Popov, Bible Society of Uzbekistan’s General Secretary, shared with us the significance of this conference and Elaine’s visit:
“Our government values tolerance and interfaith harmony, making Tolerance Day a key annual event. This year’s celebration was particularly notable, with high-ranking guests from various religious communities and the special participation of Elaine Duncan.
The Bible Society of Uzbekistan was especially pleased by the government’s initiative to invite Elaine. We were encouraged by the invitation extended to her and the opportunity for meaningful engagement.
During her visit, Elaine also spent several days with our team, participating in our work with local churches. Through our collaborative efforts and in-depth discussions, we introduced her to the unique context of Bible Society work in Central Asia. I am confident this experience will strengthen cooperation between UBS and Bible Societies in our region.”
More information about the Religious Tolerance in New Uzbekistan Conference is available here.
Religious Landscape in Uzbekistan
For over two decades, it has been reported that Uzbekistan faced significant challenges in fostering religious freedom and harmony. New churches reportedly struggled to obtain registration, and restrictions on importing spiritual literature created further obstacles for faith communities. Moreover, limited interaction between the government and Christian groups, particularly Evangelical Christians, contributed to localized conflicts rooted in religious tensions.
In recent years, however, Uzbekistan has taken meaningful steps toward promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. Over the past five years, the country has marked the International Day of Tolerance annually. This event, which spans an entire week, encompasses a wide range of community-focused initiatives.
These efforts, championed by the government, have played a pivotal role in fostering constructive dialogues between various religious communities—most notably between Christians and Muslims. Additionally, interactions between Christians and representatives of state institutions, public organizations, and other community groups have significantly improved.
Such initiatives are gradually transforming public perceptions of Christians in Uzbekistan. They highlight the valuable contributions of Christians to society, demonstrating their capacity to positively influence social challenges and enhance communal well-being.
This evolving environment also creates new opportunities for the Bible Society to extend its mission, serving both Christians and those who have yet to embrace faith. By fostering mutual respect and collaboration, Uzbekistan is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and harmonious future.
