Russia religion news

Here are some recent news articles and updates on religion in Russia:

Orthodox Church

• The Russian Orthodox Church has been actively promoting its influence in Russian society, with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, meeting with President Vladimir Putin in February to discuss the church's role in promoting national values. (Source: The Moscow Times)
• The church has also been involved in efforts to promote traditional family values and has spoken out against same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples. (Source: The Guardian)

Pentecostalism

• Pentecostalism has been growing rapidly in Russia, with many young people attracted to its charismatic and emotive style of worship. (Source: The New York Times)
• However, the Russian government has been cracking down on some Pentecostal churches, accusing them of extremism and separatism. (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Islam

• Russia has been concerned about the spread of radical Islam in the North Caucasus region, where many Muslims have been drawn to extremist groups such as ISIS. (Source: The Guardian)
• In response, the Russian government has launched a number of initiatives to promote moderate Islam and counter extremism, including the creation of a new Islamic university in Moscow. (Source: The Moscow Times)

Other religions

• The Russian government has been accused of discriminating against minority religions, including Buddhism, Judaism, and Catholicism. (Source: Human Rights Watch)
• In recent years, there have been reports of attacks on religious minorities, including the desecration of Jewish cemeteries and the destruction of Buddhist temples. (Source: The Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Government policies

• The Russian government has been promoting a new law on religious freedom, which critics say will restrict the rights of minority religions. (Source: The Moscow Times)
• The government has also been cracking down on foreign funding of religious organizations, accusing them of meddling in Russian politics. (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Recent events

• In February, a group of Orthodox priests and monks were arrested in Moscow for participating in a protest against the government's plans to build a new church in the city. (Source: The Moscow Times)
• In March, a group of Muslims were arrested in the North Caucasus region for allegedly promoting extremism and separatism. (Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)