by Carole Collins
Peace Cathedral in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, founded by Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili has been a Ministry Partner with the Alliance of Baptists since the early 2000s. This past year Peace Cathedral also joined us as a congregational partner. We have long respected, learned from, and supported the ministry of Malkhaz and Peace Cathedral.
On October 26, 2024 the citizens of the Republic of Georgia voted to keep the Georgian Dream political party in power by a very narrow margin. Following the election there have been protests and general concern for the future of the country.
Malkhaz and I connect via WhatsApp several times each week. Just after the election Malkhaz was most worried about the disillusionment of young people in Tbilisi but was also encouraged that the young people had not lost all hope. Over the last 10 days or so things have deteriorated. Malkhaz has been attending the protests that were at first peaceful but have now escalated. Most recently Malkhaz let me know that a member of the Peace Academy was arrested this week. Malkhaz and others in Peace Cathedral have opened their doors to offer both emotional support and minor medical assistance for those that need it. The young people are emotionally exhausted and are “in need of a place where they can rest, reflect, and heal.”
We wanted to offer you an update from the ground from our partners in Georgia. We pray for their safety and continual strength as they work for peace in their region. You can follow what’s happening with Peace Cathedral through their Facebook and YouTube pages.
Carole Collins
P.S. You can learn more about what’s happening in Georgia at CNN and AP.
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