Bishops' Council urges authorities to "soon and just" church property restitution

28 June 2008, 15:26

Moscow, June 28, Interfax – The Bishops' Council welcomes a law, which is being worked out in Russia, on the questions of transferring religious property to religious organizations and backs up it "early adoption."

According to the Council's decision, such a law should be "read with leaders of the largest religious communities."

"The Council draws attention of state authorities to the necessity to give back church property as soon and just as possible, to begin with churches and shrines as well as buildings and land lots required to revive charitable, social, educational, enlightening, scientific and cultural activities of the Russian Orthodox Church," the document reads.

The bishops also urge to work out corresponding legal acts in the countries guided by the Moscow Patriarchate "where restitution of church property still do not have stable legal basis."

Besides, the Council noted that application of certain legal provisions on nonprofit organizations to religious communities "contradicts the principle of Church-state separation" as "state regulation of their inner life is envisaged there."

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