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RUSSIA WITH LOVE is a gathering formed in 1998 by persons from a number of
church traditions, including Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal,
Presbyterian, Methodist, Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ
for the purpose of working in partnership with the Danish Lutheran
St. Paul Society and the Russian Orthodox Church. The goal is to
strengthen the Russian Orthodox Church after decades of Communist oppression.
All who are interested are invited to join the RUSSIA WITH LOVE action committee, which meets monthly--usually from 10 am till noon on the second Saturday of the month at Memorial Christian Church (corner of Hill and Tappan, across from the University Business School). Here is the document that formed the society. |
(Now Called RUSSIA WITH LOVE) (An Affirmation) |
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PURPOSE We seek to create partnerships between people in American Churches and people in the Russian Orthodox Churches in Russia for strengthening ministry in Russia. Our purpose is to invite persons and churches in the southeast Michigan region to join in solidarity with Christian friends in the Russian Orthodox Church so that their ministry may grow. SITUATION In the post communist era Russian society is going through a very difficult, painful, struggle to create a different way of life. All the major social, political, economic and religious institutions are changing. They are experiencing the positive values of freedom and the negative stresses of an uncertain future. The financial and human resources needed to build a positive future are unstable and in short supply. There are great opportunities now for the Russian Orthodox Church to expand its worship and witness. However, the financial and material resources available to the Russian Church are very limited. The need for the Church to exert a positive influence in society is very great. The challenge facing the Church is extensive. RESPONSE This is a time for American Christians and other interested persons to join in sharing resources to strengthen the Russian Orthodox Church.The Russian Church has initiated many positive ministries. Our purpose is not to compete nor to proselytize. Our purpose is to cooperate in such a way that the Russian Church can more effectively carry out its mission. We seek the following goals: -Strengthen ties between Russian and American Christians. -Promote communication and mutual encouragement among churches. -Provide financial assistance for Russian Orthodox ministries. -Create an ongoing local organization to support partnerships. ACTION Therefore, we join together to create the St. Paul society of Ann Arbor as a non-profit organization for education, interpretation,and sharing of financial resources with the people of the Russian Orthodox Churches. We declare ourselves to be a voluntary association dedicated to carrying out the purpose and goals indicated in this statement of affirmation. April 1998 |