A conference "Totalitarian sects - a threat to modern society" was held in the Stavropol Territory

The speakers discussed the activities, in particular, of Jehovah's Witnesses and satanic organizations. The Vice-Rector of the Stavropol Theological Seminary, Hegumen Roman (Lukin), emphasized: "They don't come to a sect, they bring them to a sect, thereby violating a person's free choice." Andrey Khanin, president of the regional federation "Aikido", made a report "From a section to a sect. One step".

The final document of the conference says: "We call on the media to warn citizens about the dangers of destructive cults. We believe that teachers in schools and higher educational institutions should acquaint students with information about the existence and activities of totalitarian sects.

We believe that the legislation of our country on freedom of conscience and religious activity is still insufficiently perfect. Traditional religions do not need special state protection from totalitarian sects, the citizens of Russia need it. We, the conference participants, DECLARE: the threat posed by totalitarian sects must be overcome, for which it is necessary to unite the efforts of the state, culture-forming religions and civil society. We express the hope that the 21st century will not become the century of pseudo-religious totalitarianism, but the century of freedom of speech, beliefs and religions."

In order to coordinate assistance to victims of "sects", it was decided to create a Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Totalitarian Sects, as well as to open a telephone "hot line" so that relatives of the victims could receive advice.

Sources

• A "hotline" for victims of destructive sects and members of their families appeared in Stavropol // Week.ru. 2004. April 29.