Doukhobor Centenary

1995 marked a significant anniversary for Canada's Doukhobor Community, as it represents the Centenary of their commitment to pacifism. This commitment was dramatically demonstrated on June 29, 1895 when several thousand Doukhobors gathered and destroyed all of their weapons. The Doukhobors base their pacifism on their Christian heritage and their literal interpretation of the Commandment "Thou Shalt not kill". Over 100 years the Doukhobor community has experienced profound challenges including their persecution in Russia, mass immigration to Canada, the threat of assimilation, clashes with governmental authority related to their pacifism and other tenets of their way of life and faith.

Over the years, these external forces combined with internal differences have fractured the descendants of those original 8000 Doukhobors into several societies across the three western provinces of Canada. If there is one issue, however, that continues to unite today's Doukhobors, it is their deep reverence for their forebearers and their advocacy of peace and non violence. In this regard the Doukhobors of B.C., and in particular the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (the largest and most active Doukhobor Society), have taken an active part together with other British Columbians in the promotion of peace and justice at the local and global levels. Their efforts have been recognized by the B.C., Canadian and Russian governments, non-governmental organizations and by the United Nations.

The Doukhobors commemorated their Centenary of peace in their respective communities in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan with a varied programme of events and joined together for special projects. One of these was a Doukhobor choir and drama ensemble called the Voices for Peace, representative of Doukhobor societies across Canada. This group travelled throughout Canada, the United States and Russia presenting concerts of remembrance and hope dedicated to the Centenary of the destruction of weapons. The focal point of B.C. commemorative events took place in Grand Forks and Castlegar (where the majority of B.C.'s Doukhobors reside) on the weekend of July 6 through 9. There were readings by Doukhobor authors, a film festival, acappella concerts, prayer and memorial services and public assemblies. These included Quakers, Mennonites, Bahais as well as secular non-governmental organizations in B.C. dedicated to peace, justice, human rights and environmental pursuits, as well as representatives of Russian Doukhobors and officials of the B.C. and Canadian governments.

J.J. Verigin, Jr. is the Assistant to the Executive Committee and the Coordinator of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) Working Groups.

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