The Young Christians for Peace and Democracy

The Young Christians for Peace and Democracy (YCPD) association began in 2002 when the students of the Tbilisi Theological Seminary and young leaders from different religious communities formed an association to study and research various theological issues. At the same time, the association, supported by some members of the clergy, carried out various social projects. Despite containing ‘Christian’ in its title, the YCPD is not closed to non-Christians and any person sharing the Association’s declared aims can become a member.

The objectives of the Association are as follows:

• To protect religious rights and freedoms in Georgia

• To support peaceful relations among various religions

• To take an active part in inter-religious dialogue and facilitate the sharing of experiences among Georgian and international Christian youth

• To actively seek greater involvement of Georgian youth in religious life and demonstrate the role of religion in the modern world

Alongside the above objectives, the YCPD also aims to inform western society about the current religious situation and the religious traditions of Georgia.

At the end of 2011 our SCM became an associated member of WSCF Europe and from that time on our activities have been reinvigorated with new inspiration and enthusiasm. The YCPD made significant efforts to achieve associated membership over many years and regarded it as one of the Association’s most important goals.

There were several challenges and successes in the life of our SCM during 2012.

We participated in the conferences and events planned by WSCF-E and our partner organizations. One of the key priorities of the YCPD is to support young people in furthering their theological studies abroad. The Association helps students to identify good universities in Europe and to provide them with help with their applications. A good example of this was when we helped to one member of our Association to obtain a scholarship to study at The Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

One of the most significant events of this year was the establishment of the Georgian theological journal Iota, for which we received some financial support from the Philanthropic Fund of Cyril and Methodius. The idea to publish Iota was prompted by the absence of any academic theological journal in Georgia. For the first time, young Georgian theologians will have an opportunity to write for such a journal and will be accessible to the wider public as well. Theological articles, essays from members of our organization as well as other young authors will be published in our journal. Establishing

Iota lays the foundation for the creation of a circle of young, intellectual theologians in Georgia. They will work together to help overcome religious and ethnic stereotypes and strengthen peaceful cooperation with people from different backgrounds. For the design of the journal, we selected ornamental features from ancient Georgian architectural monuments, and in doing so we gave our old heritage a new lease of life.

And we hope that it will continue to bring new life for many years to come!

Of course, anyone from WSCF willing to publish an article in our magazine is very welcome to do so! �