Recent events, such as the political protests in Belarus, the imprisonment and hunger strike of Alexei Navalny, the arrests of intellectuals in Russia, illustrate the shrinking spaces of a free society in the post-communist era. The role of the Orthodox Churches in this region remains ambivalent, ranging from public support of authoritarian rule, an emphasis on political neutrality, and even solidarity with civil society. Additionally, conflicts within the institutions of theological higher education point to the growing dissent within the churches. This panel of experts will discuss the evolving contours shaping this dynamic, as well as the role of the Orthodox Churches as political actors.
Panelists: Sergei Chapnin, Regina Elsner, Achimandrite Cyril Hovorun, Kristina Stoeckl