ABSTRACT
The rejection of forced secularization in Soviet Russia gave rise to the emergence of a certain ideology of pluralism, understood as the recognition of widespread religious diversity, the assertion of equality of status for the different religions, equal treatment for believers and atheists and, finally, unlimited freedom granted by the State to all religious organizations. This ideology was reflected in a tolerant attitude on the part of the Russian Orthodox Church – by far the largest in the country – towards other religions. The federal law of 1997, together with the agreements between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Federal Government regarding the army, education, culture, health and prison welfare, and the State concerning the return of property and of places of worship, and the construction of churches from public funds, reveal the existence of a new state of affairs whereby the Orthodox Church has acquired a major political role.
