Tag Archives: religion

Religion Class for Every 4th Grader in Russia

Jul 14th, 2012

Religion Class for Every 4th Grader in Russia

A class called the “Basis of Secular Ethics” is popular among the students. (Photo: Matthew Brunwasser) This year Russia required fourth graders across the country to take a religion class. There are six choices: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, secular ethics or world religions. Most Russians consider themselves Orthodox Christians, but most did not choose that class for their children. Matthew Brunwasser reports.

Extremism Law Curbs Religious Freedom in Russia

Jul 10th, 2012

Extremism Law Curbs Religious Freedom in Russia

This is what extremism sounds like, according to Russian law. At the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in St. Petersburg, worshippers start their bible study session with a song. No other religious group has been hit so hard by Russia’s controversial anti-extremism law. In the past three years, the church reports that state authorities have arrested or detained more than a thousand believers, searched 148 homes and buildings, and banned 68 publications.