November 22, 2025
UBS Secretary General, Rev. Dirk Gevers, addressed the delegates of the International Scientific and Practical Conference on the theme “Uzbekistan: A Tolerant Country” held in Tashkent in November, to share a biblical message of peace, justice, mercy, humility, and forgiveness.
Co-organized by the Committees on Religious Affairs, Interethnic Relations, and the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Conference took place on November 15.
Since 2019, to mark the International Day for Tolerance, a conference has been held to further strengthen tolerance among the 16 officially registered religious confessions. The 74th goal of the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan places a significant importance on creating an environment of interethnic harmony and interreligious tolerance in society.
In his speech, Rev. Gevers emphasised how biblical principles, such as justice, mercy, and humility, can foster interfaith cooperation and promote a culture of harmony in society:
“The prophet Micah asked, “What does the Lord require of you?” and answered, “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.” These three virtues, justice, mercy, and humility, are not only religious ideals; they are universal foundations for peace. Justice ensures fairness and respect for the rights of others. Mercy adds compassion to justice, reminding us of our shared humanity. And humility keeps us teachable, aware that none of us possesses all truth. Together, they create the moral environment in which tolerance can truly grow and flourish.”
Drawing on the shared experience of the UBS Fellowship, he emphasised that unity is not achieved by erasing differences but by honouring them:
“The word ‘tolerance’ itself carries deep meaning. It comes from the Latin tolerare, meaning “to bear,” “to endure,” or “to sustain.” True tolerance, therefore, is not mere politeness or indifference. It is an act of strength. It is the moral courage to bear with one another, to endure difference without resentment, and to sustain relationships even when we disagree. Tolerance demands more than restraint; it requires empathy, patience, and humility.”
He also affirmed that genuine tolerance requires moral courage, empathy, and responsibility, and called for freedom of belief to be safeguarded through justice and complemented by compassion.
His message resonated deeply with the conference’s aim of promoting peace, mutual respect, and constructive engagement across religious communities.
“For Christians, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate example of mercy and tolerance in action. Throughout His ministry, He reached out to those who were different, misunderstood, or marginalised. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking social and religious boundaries. He welcomed tax collectors and sinners. He healed the servant of a Roman soldier and even prayed for those who crucified Him. Jesus never compromised His convictions, and He never imposed them by force. In Him, we see that tolerance is not weakness; it is the strength of love that listens, respects, and forgives.”
“…Whether one stands inside or outside of faith, the values reflected in the Bible — justice, mercy, humility, forgiveness, and freedom — form a moral language that all humanity can share. They invite us to see tolerance not as passive endurance, but as active engagement, a commitment to uphold the dignity of every person. The Latin tolerare reminds us to bear with one another, to endure our differences with grace, and to sustain peace through mutual respect.”
More information about the ‘Uzbekistan: A Tolerant Country’ Conference is available here.
In 2024, UBS Fellowship Council Chair and CEO of the Scottish Bible Society, Elaine Duncan, presented at the ‘Religious Tolerance in New Uzbekistan’ Conference held in Tashkent. You can find more information from this visit here.
Rev. Gevers’ visit was crucial not only because it helped raise the visibility of the remarkable work of the Bible Society of Uzbekistan, but also because it underlined the close and longstanding links between the Bible Societies of the region.
While in Tashkent for the conference and visiting the region for the first time, Rev. Gevers also met with the Bible Societies from the Central Asian region – an opportunity to share updates on ongoing projects with other Bible Societies interested in supporting Bible ministry in this strategically important region. These organisations operate in diverse contexts yet remain united through the UBS Fellowship, supporting one another in strengthening local Christian communities and building trust within wider society.
