Preservation and Protection of Traditional Family Values as a Form of Social Service of the Churches and Confessions in Ukraine

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of social service of churches and confessions of Ukraine in the field of preservation and protection of traditional family values. It is noted that today, despite the ingrained understanding of the value of the family institution, respect for family values, trends of its systemic crisis are actually being observed in society. Churches and confessions of our country can have and currently demonstrate significant potential in overcoming such a crisis, taking into account the important spiritual influence on a significant part of society. It is established that in the Ukrainian context inter-religious interaction is carried out in this field, the state-religious partnership is fruitful. Examples of successful interfaith initiatives that had nationwide resonance are given. Aspects of state-confessional interaction are shown. Emphasis is placed on the active, personalized participation of churches and confessions of Ukraine in processes aimed at preserving and protecting the family, popularizing family values, and their institutional readiness for such activities. It is noted that the confessional initiatives are structured, have acquired clear organizational forms, and a variety of manifestations. Examples of successful formats for the implementation of social services aimed at preventing destructive challenges that can negatively affect marital and family relations, as well as formats designed to minimize, weaken, and eliminate already existing problems in family life, are given. It is about starting information resources, publishing manuals, creating specialized educational institutions; spiritual conferences, forums, symposia, festivals, marches; schools, family recreation camps, family picnics, quests, clubs, competitions; trainings, crisis counselling, thematic lectures, special training for cult ministers; organization of shelters, social centres, etc. It is determined that in Ukrainian society, the opinion about the social service of churches and confessions is established as an important component of the moral improvement of the institution of the family. It is found out that the social service of religious communities has great prospects for further approval and implementation, in particular in the aspect of helping to overcome post-traumatic syndrome and rehabilitation of the families of participants in the Russian-Ukrainian war; work with families who lost husbands/wives/children as a result of Russia's armed aggression; development of service among migrant families; consolidation of efforts to influence the development of comprehensive state policy, especially regarding migration; assistance in the rehabilitation of family members with various types of addictions; further involvement in popularizing traditional family values.