Kalach D. Interfaith Dialogue in Modern Ukraine: Philosophical and Religious Analysis

The thesis focuses on the study of complex philosophical and religious analysis of interfaith dialogue between representatives of Christian churches. Interfaith dialogue is defined as a particular form of meetings for searching mutual understanding between representatives of Christian denominations that is based on each other's respect and trust and aimed at important truth cognition and striving for making people's relations corresponding to their dignity. It is stated that in the development of сivil society a dialogue becomes a regulator of interfaith relations, also a prediction and a prevention of religious conflicts. It is mentioned that consensus at the state level is impossible without realizing a religious intolerance problem and ensuring of principle of freedom of thought. It is proved that the interfaith dialogue as a means of conflict prevention does not guarantee the resolution of contradictions in the religious environment, however, it establishes conditions for the development of reconciliation, contributes to minimizing the tension between subjects of interfaith relations. That is why religious intolerance, confrontation and conflicts should be substituted for an effective dialogue. The author provides possible ways of making the dialogue in the sphere of state and clerical relations in Ukrainian society, that contribute to their stabilization, namely, equality, independence of its members; guaranteeing the right of their own interpretation of the truth of and the position, a worldview and moral values without absolutization of their truth. The paper determines that the formation of favorable environment for regulating relations and a search for a compromise between representatives of Christian denominations and fundamentals of religious tolerance should be based on tolerance principles usage and a constructive peaceful dialogue. Reunion of Christian denominations around an idea of autocephaly with gradual leveling ideological distinctions and merging into an entire church is a possible resolution of religious contradictions. Partner relationships that provide depoliticization of religious sphere are considered to be an optimized form of interfaith, state and clerical relations.