Putin: Church should have greater role in Russian life

February 04, 2013

President Vladimir Putin has called for a greater role for Russian Orthodoxy “and other traditional religions” in Russian life.

“While preserving the secular nature of our state, and not allowing the over-involvement of the government in Church life, we need to get away from the vulgar, primitive understanding of secularism," he said on February 1.

“The Russian Orthodox Church and other traditional religions should get every opportunity to fully serve in such important fields as the support of family and motherhood, the upbringing and education of children, youth, social development, and to strengthen the patriotic spirit of the armed forces.”

 

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Further information:

• Church should have more control over Russian life: Putin (Reuters)