Communist Policies on Religion, 1917-1941

What was the communist view on religion?

Communists are atheists; they do not believe in religion. They saw it as a threat to communism because the Russian Orthodox Church had power, position and status.

What was Lenin's view of religion in communist Russia?

Lenin was very anti-religion and pursued policies to remove the influence of the Church in the USSR.

What was Stalin's view on religion in communist Russia?

Stalin was anti-religion and wanted to remove the influence of the Church in the USSR. However, he was more pragmatic than Lenin. During the Second World War he allowed the Church to have more influence to help the country.

How did the communists control religion?

The Communist Party brought in 4 main measures to control the Church and religion:

• ❖ In January 1918, the Decree Concerning Separation of Church and State was issued. This closed church schools, stopped state subsidies and nationalised church property.
• ❖ In 1918, the Decree on Freedom of Conscience separated the Church from state. The Church lost land, religious publications were banned, and religious education outside home was banned.
• ❖ There were attacks on priests and churches under Lenin and Stalin. In Stalin's Great Purge, there were quotas for how many priests should be purged.
• ❖ During the Second World War, Stalin relaxed the persecution of religion for pragmatic reasons to support people. Churches reopened to give comfort to families.

What was the communist attitude towards the Jewish religion?

Stalin's treatment of Jews worsened over time in 6 main ways:

• ❖ All decrees which controlled religion affected Jewish people as well.
• ❖ After the Second World War, Stalin's anti-Semitism grew and attacks increased.
• ❖ Jewish people were sacked from government posts and industry if they held any responsibility.
• ❖ There was a purge of Jewish leaders and some were executed.
• ❖ The government made it very difficult for Jewish people to emigrate to Israel.
• ❖ Many Jewish institutions such as schools were closed.