New Britain herald., 1930-02-26
13V ED I, K ZEN

for Europe.
 Copyright, 93O in all Countries by
 United Press.)
 Moscow, Feb. "6 UP)-Persec1- ton or imprisonment of any pers rn because of religious beliefs is hardly possible in the Soviet Union, Pre- mier Alexis Rykov told me today, Iii stating directly for the first time the governments views on the rcI- gious issue.
 Says No Ono Punished
 "Onc Of your questions implies prosecutions and imprisonmcnts oc- cause of religious beliefs" Ryhov said in his office in the Kromljn. T do not know of any such eases and would be very glad if you could point out 10 me a single instance. They are hardly possible on Soviet soil, where there is freedom for alI kinds of faiths or creeds."
 The Soviet premier, in a discus sion which lasted more than aI hour, developed in detail the gov crnmcnt's attitude on the question Of rcligion--an issue which has betn agitating the western world recently.
 The most important of the pre- mier's declarations may be sum- narized as follows;
 The Soviet Union does not pcrS2- cute persons on account of religious belief.
 It grants entire freedom to all boliefs,-rclisiou as well as anti religious.
 Does Not Prosecute Clergy
 It does not prosecute tho clergy for legitimate practice of their pro- fession,
 In every case Of punishment of priests the action has been taken for violation Of low or counter-rcyo!u- l tionary activity.
 Churches have been closed or al- vertcd to other uses but only upon 1 the request of the local community or when, for lack of support they i ceased to be used as houses of Wor- 1 ship.
 Rykov. the son of a peasant by reason of his position is best quail i fled to discuss the subject Of religion in Russia with authority. His off cial title, as Lcnin's successor, is president of the council of people < commissars ,and his status in the Soviet Union is equivalent 10 that of prime minister of England.
 l had submitted written questions and expected to receive written an swers but the slight, bearded mar who received me in the kremlir explained that he had not had time to write the replies and would dis cuss the subject with me.
 Takes Up Religious Questions
 Taking up the question of religious persecution, Rykov said:
 such rumors (of Imprisonment and persecution because of religious helicfs) either result willfully or arc distortions of actual facts for poli tical purposes.
 T do not deny that churches have been closed and diverted tt other purposes he continued. "Bu such has never happened oXcep upon the request of mass meeting in the local community. In ever case when it is proposed 10 diver the functioning church 10 som other purpose, final sanction of tn presidum of the central eNecutlv committee of the Soviet Union l hC t,l1t r,r1 ., for lack of support, is not beni used, 1t may bc taken for othe needs upon the decision of loca authorities,
 Tt is quite true that the mum Der Of churches in the Soviet Gnlo1 has decreased considerably. This i due to various social and eConoml and political reasons"
 Rykov spoke with earnostnes which was reflected in his student , like. almost aesthetic face.
 One Of the reasons is that " have prohibited religious propagan da in our educational and Cultura institutions and we strictly punis violators of this law" he said. 9Th 5 separation of church and state | being enforced fully and radicall and to the limit.
 q might mention here that " are merely carrying out with mer ciloss thoroughness the programs c radical parties in the bourgeol countries Freedom of Beliefs One of my questions referred [ the Soviet constitutional guarante of religious freedom, on whic f point Rykov said:
 i "Wo give complete freedom of q I beliefs, religious as well as anti-rC , ligious. We do not persecute C
 punish any one who believes C - tries to prove that Eve was mad 5 from Adams rib or who defend
 the immaculate conception. I Woul - take immediate measures to punis { any judge sentencing persons 0 the basis of their belief that th l world was created. in seven days. = "On the other hand we do nc
 prohibit defense of the theory ( mans evolution from monkey. Sc , cnce and scientific knowledge haN !, made great progress in our COT temporary life.
 This leads to a decrease in til
 number of churches and a declir
 in religious feeling. It is only
 natural process"
 | I asked the premier why th , clergy was deprived of civil right
 such as suffrage. etc. , "There are other countries Uher 1 4J,a nIore,, A moi opiou civil ri crb