The new edition of the Forest Code of the Russian Federation gives religious organizations the opportunity to use forest areas

On January 1, 2007, a new edition of the Forest Code of the Russian Federation came into force.

Article 47 of the new edition gives religious organizations the right to use forests for religious activities in accordance with Federal Law No. 125-FZ of September 26, 1997 "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations." State or municipally owned forest plots may be provided to religious organizations for free fixed-term use for religious activities.

According to paragraph 2 of Article 47, "on forest plots provided for religious activities, it is allowed to erect buildings, structures, structures for religious and charitable purposes."

Sources

• The new version of the Forest Code of the Russian Federation provides for the possibility of providing forest plots to religious organizations for free fixed-term use // Patriarchy.ru. 2007. February 28.