RETURN OF RELIGION

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 433, 14 May 1937, Page 5

RETURN OF RELIGION

Bolshevist Concern Moscow, May 2. The significant decline in the ranks of the atheists and in anti-religious activity in the Soviet Union is causing concern among Bolshevist leaders Fearful lest the Church regain some of the ground lost during twenty years of religious suppression, atheist leaders and the Press have instituted a new campaign calling for a revival of anti-religious work. Atheist leaders admit that at least half of the adult Soviet population is still religious, and apparently there have been serious religious' inroads among the youth as well. There remain about 30,000 churches open today throughout the Soviet Union. Priests are engaging in many forms of social work in order to win back young people. The atheists openly express the fear that the Church is organising to advanc# its candidates in some districts in the forthcoming elections for the new Parliament,