Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has announced pilot project that will require school children to take classes in religion or secular ethics, the Associated Press reported. They will be offered the choice of studying the dominant Russian Orthodox religion, Islam, Buddhism or Judaism, or of taking an overview of all four faiths, or course in secular ethics. The proposal is believed to be part of Kremlin effort to teach young Russians morals in the wake of turbulent period of uncertainty following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Medvedev insisted that the proposal is “only” for the four faiths excluding other faiths, especially Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, which the Orthodox Church accuses of proselytising.

Over 80 percent of Russians are believed to be members of the Russian Orthodox Church, although only about 15 to 20 percent regularly attend church. Earlier this year, the appointment of Aleksandr Dvorkin – who is critical of non-Orthodox Christians – as chair of the Expert Council on Religious Studies raised concerns for non-Orthodox Christians, fearing that Russia might return to a “Soviet era” persecution. The move prompted the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to add Russia to its watch list for the first time in ten years.

Source: Christian Post

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 37:7

PRAY: That true followers of Jesus in Russia may have wisdom and grace to face this new trial, and that many young people be lead to seek the Truth.