RELIGION IN RUSSIA

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1929, Page 13

RELIGION IN RUSSIA

CAMPAIGN AT CHRISTMAS. London, December 19. The dismantling of church bells is one of the prominent features of Moscow’s anti-Christmas campaign, ata-tes the Riga correspondent of the Timqs, The campaign has already begun on a large scale throughout Russia under the aegis of the Anti-God Society and ■ other Communist organisations, which go through the farce of presenting the authorities with petitions signed by a number of parishioners. Believers are prevented from presenting, counter-peti-tions by intimidation, after which the bells are confiscated “in response to the request of the toilers,” and spirited down. The cutting down of trees for Christmas ’ trees is prohibited under a heavy fine. .Soviet labour organisations have ordered the “mobilisation of actors, artists, musicians and authors to take part in the anti-religious campaign on Christmas Day.” Owing to their previous reluctance to assist the movement the musicians and actors are now commanded to perform in anti-God processions and performances outside the churches during divine service. Other troupes are being organised to travel By motor and train and to perform at various /Centres. •

The authors are being mobilised for public readings of anti-religious literature. ' '