The current legislation of the Russian Federation, which regulates the field of the
protection of freedom of conscience, includes in addition to the above mentioned
norms of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the generally recognized
principles and norms of international law in the field of human rights and freedoms
and international treaties of the Russian Federation, the provisions of the
special-purpose Federal Law of September 26, 1997 № 125-FZ "On Freedom of
Conscience and Religious Associations", as well as the rules of more than 100
individual legal acts concerning certain aspects of the activities of religious
organizations and regulations of the Russian Federation.
2. This body of legal rules provides opportunities for provision of charitable,
cultural, educational, publishing activities; conducting pastoral work at social
institutions, and places with the specific conditions that limit the rights and freedoms
of individuals - military and naval units, and establishments of the penitentiary system;
that is, wherever one is need of clerical assistance, a word of comfort and support.
I just want to note that all these years there is a continuous, daily process of
improving the regulatory framework in the area of church-state relations that promotes
the harmonious development of society.
Since 1 September 2013 came into effect a new version of the law "On
Education in the Russian Federation", which regulates, among other issues, obtaining
of religious education, as well as learning the basics of spiritual and moral culture of
the peoples of Russia in the secondary school.
The mechanism for the transfer of state or municipal owned property to religious
organizations for religious purposes is being improved under the regulation by the
Federal Law from November 30, 2010 № 327-FZ.
Expanding are the opportunities for religious organizations to conduct social
work and charitable activities. Federal law from April 5 2010, № 40-FZ "On
Amendments to Separate Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on the support of
socially oriented non-profit organizations" provides for the granting of benefits,