That view well serves the interests of the church but not of freedom in Russia. Members of several religious denominations in Russia are calling on President Boris Yeltsin to reject legislation on religious associations passed by parliament. The law, passed by the Duma on June 23 and approved by the Federation Council last week, would permit only those groups that have been in Russia for at least 15 years to set up new religious organizations. It also imposes curbs on religious activity by foreign groups. Russian Baptists, Roman Catholics and the Church of the Union are asking the president to reject the bill.
Critics say it contravenes Russia's constitution and revives Soviet-style limits on religion.
They point out that 15 years ago religious groups were still tightly controlled by the officially atheist Communist state. Nikolai Yepishin, a spokesman for the Baptist faith, said the bill infringes on freedom of conscience. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexiy II, who has condemned missionary activity in Russia, has praised the bill, saying it was long overdue and will provide freedom for all religious associations. Other traditional faiths including Islam have welcomed the bill, saying it will protect Russians against destructive cults.