Starpetniskā izlīguma prakses Latvijā 21. gs. sākumā: Latvijas Baptistu draudžu savienības piemērs

Recent studies about social cohesion in Latvia have shown that ethnicity is an important identity marker for the majority of the population. Since Latvia regained independence in 1991, there have been certain tensions, intercultural prejudices, and lack of goodwill between the two of the largest ethnocultural groups – Latvians and Russians –, but without an open and violent ethnic conflict. This article examines ethnic reconciliation as an essential ministry aspect in multi-ethnic churches of Latvia where dialogue about the interethnic relations takes place. Judeo-Christian worldview teaches that social divisions, including those of ethnic nature, are transformed and healed through reconciliation. The current article focuses on the theology of reconciliation that addresses the questions of why and how to reconcile, including the aspects of reconciliation (with God, ourselves, others, and the whole creation), the elements of reconciliation (truth, forgiveness, repentance, restitution, embrace) and the reconciling identity of a Christian community. How have the ethnic faultlines between Latvians and Russian-speakers affected the Christian communities in Latvia? Since Christianity emphasizes the principles of universality and diversity, the Christian denominations of Latvia could play an important role in the process of integration of Latvia’s multicultural society. The Christian communities in Latvia are a microcosm of the wider society – the status and usage of Latvian language, divided information space, different social memories, and geopolitical events affect also the Christians. The article explores the intercultural dynamics in the Union of Baptist Churches in Latvia (UBCL), based on the interviews with prominent members of the UBCL leadership team. To examine a concrete example, it takes a closer look at inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation practices in Jaunjelgava Baptist Church. Originally founded as a predominantly Latvian church, it became largely Russophone during the Soviet period. Today, Jaunjelgava Baptist Church is a unique, bilingual fellowship that has surmounted various challenges in building an authentic and united multicultural community. To conclude, UBCL leaders view the interethnic relations between Latvian and Russophone churches and pastors as an internal matter which usually does not create ethnic tension. Overall, on this issue UBCL chooses an apolitical stance. The Baptist pastors see their role in building personal bridges across ethnolinguistic lines, focusing on common ministry goals as a catalyst for interethnic unity. As a result, many of the sensitive interethnic questions that affect the wider society, including the church members, are not seen as a priority and often remain ignored.