Dr. Ramsey Found Visit To Russia An “Ordeal”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29894, 7 August 1962, Page 21

Dr. Ramsey Found Visit To Russia An “Ordeal”

(N.ZP.X-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, August 4 The Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Ramsey) returned to London last night from Moscow and told reporters his contact with “rank atheism’’ had proved an ordeal. Dr Ramsey spent four days in the Soviet capital, where he held talks with leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church. He said he had been thrilled by the visit, but had felt the strain of staying in a Communist society. The Archbishop paid tribute to what he described as the “heroism’’ of the Russian Church in existing in spite of difficulties such as “intense anti-God propaganda” constantly emanating from the Government. Dr Ramsey said: "The Government there cannot quench the religion of the Russian people, even with their anti-God propaganda “Whole Families” “Religion in Russia is not found only among the old and elderly people, but among young people too and in fact there are whole families which foltow the Russian Orthodox Church.” A call for unity between the Orthodox and Anglican Churches was contained in a joint communique signed today by Dr Ramsey and

the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Alexei. The communique was issued on the last day of the visit to the Soviet Union. It also recommended exchange visit, by churchmen, and called for the setting up of a joint theological commission.