Kazakhstan launches Agency for Religions

Kazakhstan has launched a governmental Agency for Religions, "Interfax - Kazakhstan" reports. Respective decree was signed by President Nazarbayev May 18 and immediately came into force. According to the decree, the Agency shall be maintaining inter-faith accord, enforcing freedom of belief and will be in charge of strengthening dialogue with religious institutions. The same decree abrogates the Committee for Religions under the Ministry of Culture. Kazakhstan is widely recognized for its efforts to ensure inter-ethnic and interfaith peace and accord. Representatives of 130 nationalities and more than 100 other ethnic groups live peacefully in Kazakhstan. The Congress of the Leaders of World & Traditional Religions has been Kazakhstan’s contribution to the global process of inter-cultural dialogue.