FACTS ON RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

July 26, 1997

Some facts about the Russian Orthodox Church and the proposed law on religion:

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH:

Russia's dominant religion, claiming about 80 million adherents, or more than 50 percent of the population.

Established in 988 with the conversion of Prince Vladimir. Played important role in consolidation of Russia, becoming the official state religion, with czar as head of church. Repressed after 1917 Russian Revolution, with thousands of churches burned and priests imprisoned or killed.

Joined in what it calls a ``patriotic union'' with dictator Josef Stalin to help the war effort during World War II.

Repressed again in early 1960s, with thousands of churches closed.

Renaissance under Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s, culminating in lavish celebrations for its millennium in 1988.

Became active political force with the election of Boris Yeltsin as Russian president in 1990, gathering strength after the 1991 Soviet collapse.

PROPOSED RELIGION LAW:

Enshrines the Russian Orthodox Church as Russia's dominant religion, recognizing its historic role as a pillar of Russian society.

Vows protection for ``traditional'' religions: Judaism, Islam and Buddhism.

Other ``foreign'' religions, including Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, would have to register with local governments. Registration would be granted only if group demonstrates a continuous local presence for 15 years, and it would be forbidden from seeking converts or holding public worship until registration. The registration would then be valid only in that locality.

A religion would be recognized as a ``national'' religion only if it could demonstrate a continuous 50-year presence in at least half of Russia's local districts.

YELTSIN'S RESPONSE:

Yeltsin rejected the religion law, claiming it violates Russia's constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship.

Patriarch Alexy denounced the action, and warned of social unrest unless the bill is signed in its original form.

Parliament has the opportunity to revise the bill and send it back to Yeltsin for reconsideration.

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Johnson's Russia List

#1091

28 July 1997

djohnson@cdi.org