Formation of the Legal Basis for Anti-Religious Policy in the Soviet State (1917-1929)

The article deals with the formation of the legal basis for anti-religious policy in the Soviet State during 1917-1929. Having come to power in unstable political situation the Soviet government issued the first decrees and resolutions establishing the legislative basis of the new Russia. For years these documents determined the foreign and domestic policies of the state, regulated lifestyles during that period of time. Religious legislation served not only the basis for religious policy but also regulated activities of establishments and organizations in this direction. Legislative provisions pertaining to religion were reflected in the first Constitution of the RSFSR (1918) and in some decrees. The main regulations that determined attitude of the Bolshevik Party and Soviet State toward religion, church and clergy were developed, amplified and set forth in the basic legislative act - Decree on the Separation of Church from State and School from Church signed by V. I. Lenin and issued by the Council of People’s Commissars of the RSFSR on 23 January 1918. Proceeding from the principle of freedom of conscience, the Decree declared religion to be a private affair of individuals in Russia. This is why the 1918 Constitution of the RSFSR (Article 13) admitted and guaranteed “Freedom of religious and anti-religious propaganda” (later corresponding amendments would be adopted to the regulation). Striving to undermine the centuries-old faith in God, separate the population from religion and church, compel people to give up religious prejudices and implant a materialistic world outlook in the “toiling masses”, the Communist Party initiated an active anti-religious (i.e. atheistic) propaganda as the main part of its ideological work. Conducted on a regular basis and in accordance with the party and state policy, anti-religious propaganda was supported by state-funding and required considerable efforts with all factors considered (social environment, peculiarities of the national character, faiths, etc.), including world public opinion. According to the VTsIK Decree on Religious Associations of 8 April 1929, religious communities were not to do anything but meet religious needs of citizens. All its regulations were to prevent religious communities from participating in social life. They were prohibited from giving social support to the population, holding educational and religious events, administering charity and other activities except for ritual ones. It was also noticed that the priests’ sphere of work was limited to church members’ homes and meetinghouses. Thus, the clergy had just the role of performers of religious ceremonies, while the rest of the functions were completely monopolized by the state authorities.

Soviet State, religion, law, constitution, church, clergy

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