About Us
Information about trainings, advanced training courses, work done in the field of education and popularization of scientific knowledge
Assistance to the government of the Kyrgyz Republic on issues of state-confessional relations. Assistance in the development of legal acts
Research Center for Religion, an independent research center, was established by Catherine Ozmitel, Elena Nosova, and Indira Aslanova in 2011. It brings together scholars, teachers, community members, and all those interested in the development of religious studies and the dissemination of objective knowledge about religion. The center is organized to study the religious situation, religious organizations, and interreligious relations in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. While there are three main cognitive positions regarding religion: theological - attempts to prove the truth and infallibility of religion; atheistic - attempts to prove its falsity and unacceptability, the CRI adheres to a scientific approach, i.e. understanding the unacceptability of a one-sided and narrow approach to the knowledge of religion and the need for a real objective assessment and its role and place in human life and society.
Objectives of the Center
01
Conducting research in the field of theory and history of religions, studying the activities modern religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan
02
Monitoring of the religious situation in the country, public opinion on issues of religion, interreligious and state-confessional relations
03
Providing information about the religious situation in the Kyrgyz Republic to scientific research and educational institutions, relevant state authorities, other organizations, as well as the public
04
Promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue for the realization of the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with its legislation and ratified international standards
05
Providing scientific advisory and expert assistance to state and public organizations, as well as individuals
06
Providing practical assistance in improving the skills of personnel of relevant structures and organizations in matters of religion
07
Development and improvement of courses in religious disciplines. Generalization of the practice of teaching religious studies courses
The organization is currently implementing a number of educational, research and information projects. The Center regularly conducts religious studies readings, trainings and courses for a wide variety of audiences, including students, representatives of state and religious organizations, etc. Textbooks "Introduction to Religious Studies", "History of Religious Culture" have been published, developed jointly with the State Commission for Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education Kyrgyz Republic. The experts of the Center took part in the development of the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere for 2014-2020, the Concept of the Kyrgyz Republic on Reforming Religious Education and the State Program for Combating Extremism and Terrorism for 2017-2022.