THE CHURCH IN RUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 80, 28 December 1928, Page 9

THE CHURCH IN RUSSIA

MANY CHILDREN STILL UNDER INFLUENCE

DESPITE ANTI-RELIGIOUS PROPAGANDA

SOME SECTS GAINING GROUND

The Russian paper, “Pravda” estimates that 40 to 50 per cent, of Russian children are still under the influence of the Church, despite the anti-religi-ous propaganda.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Service.)

Riga, December 26.

Depsite the anti-religious propogauda the “Pravda” estimates that in the twelfth year of Soviet power, 40 to 50 per cent, of Russian children are still under the influence of the Church. It adds that there are at least fifty thousand establishments, occupied by a quarter of a million members of various cults, including Mohammedans, Buddhists, and JeWs. It appears that'sects like the Methodist and Baptist, repressed by the Greek Church, influence under the Tsar, are now gaining ground rapidly. The small bourgeois, the new bureaucrats, and the richer elements of the peasants find powerful allies in religious sects. The Soviet Press declares, probably correctly, that all anti-Soviet forces have now realised the menace, and formed a united front, more dangerous than the former land-lords, nobles, generals, and Greek Church dignitaries.