Various current events in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus underline the continuing importance of peace ethics as an issue for the Orthodox Churches in these countries. Firstly, there is the continuing conflict between the two Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, which has various implications for the social debate on the war and questions of reconciliation. Secondly, the continuing militarisation in the Russian Orthodox Church and the position of the Belarusian Orthodox Church during the protests after the presidential elections in August 2020 shed light on other aspects of the Orthodox understanding of conflict, violence and reconciliation.

The project will undertake a systematic review of basic texts and official statements on issues of peace ethics as well as analysing practical actions. The aim is to ascertain the political and social relevance of church positions and gain a better understanding of the interaction of church theology, church practice and socio-political developments. In this way, the options for involving Orthodox churches in peace and reconciliation processes can also be expanded in future.

• Discourse analysis
• Interviews with experts

• Which theological understanding of peace, conflict and violence underpins the activities of the Orthodox Church in post-Soviet societies?
• How are Orthodox actors engaged in activities/initiatives for peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution and how does this tie in with the official position of the Church?
• Which factors prevent or promote Orthodox actors’ constructive participation in peace and reconciliation processes?