Tag Archives: Moldova

Religion + Belief

Europe & Eurasia Research | Religious & Belief Minorities

Religion and National Identity in Eastern Europe and Eurasia

The Pew Research Center recently conducted a survey on the relationship between religious and national identity in Eastern European and Eurasian countries, noting changes in the way that religious identification has influenced national identity since the fall of atheist fundamentalism with the USSR. For religious and belief minorities—now including atheists—the relationship can be a troubling one, particularly as resurgent nationalism in the region has been accompanied by xenophobia and religious discrimination.

Here are highlights from the findings:

70% (Orthodox-majority) / 57% (Catholic-majority)

Average among countries who believe majority religious identity is very or somewhat important to national identity

82% (Armenia)
81% (Georgia)
78% (Serbia)
76% (Greece)
74% (Romania)
66% (Bulgaria)
63% (Moldova)
57% (Russia)
51% (Ukraine)
45% (Belarus)

Percentage within Orthodox-majority countries who believe Orthodox religious identity is very or somewhat important to national identity

64% (Poland)
58% (Croatia)
56% (Lithuania)
43% (Hungary)

Percentage within Catholic-majority countries who believe Catholic religious identity is very or somewhat important to national identity

Read

Religious Belief and National Belonging in Central and Eastern Europe (Pew Research Center | May 2017)

Sexual + Gender Minorities

Moldova News | LGBT

Anti-LGBT protesters disrupt LGBT Pride festivities in Moldova


Video Credit: Campania socială Fără Frică

  • Hundreds demonstrated against a Pride march taking place in Chisinau, the Moldovan capital, by chanting, singing, and reportedly throwing eggs and holy water at participants.
  • The protests appeared to have been led by Orthodox Christian demonstrators, who carried Moldovan and Orthodox flags symbolizing the close ties of religion and national identity in the predominantly Orthodox country.
  • Under heavy police protection, more than 150 participated in the parade, including German, French, and Swedish diplomats, before having to be escorted to safety.

Read more:
“Protesters disrupt Moldova Pride march” (The Washington Blade)
“Activists, Police Fend Off Counter-Protestors At Moldova’s First-Ever LGBT March of Solidarity” (Unicorn Booty)

 

Health + Ability
New campaign pushes for increased visibility and support for the HIV+ community in Moldova
  • As HIV+ individuals suffer high levels of discrimination and alienation in the Eastern European country, the Initiativa Pozitiva is showcasing afflicted individuals to banish invisibility and build empathy
  • Participants hope the campaign will increase community and prevention awareness, helping to stem the tide of the disease.
  • One couple share their stories and work with the communities vulnerable to the disease.

“We are trying to show that we are normal people.  We don’t grow horns, we don’t have fangs: we are ordinary, normal people.  Sometime in 2003 we decided we would not give any more interviews with the camera showing the backs of our heads or with pixelated faces because there is already too much stigma and discrimination, and this stigma and discrimination creates the perfect environment for the further spread of the epidemic.”

Watch the full story at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.