Non-Orthodox believers of the Komi Republic opposed the imposition of the military-industrial complex

In June 2008, the "Appeal of the Public of the Republic of Komi to the Governor and the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation regarding the imposition of the subject "Fundamentals of Orthodox Culture" on schools" was distributed. Its authors opposed the mandatory introduction of the defense industry in secondary, vocational and higher educational institutions of the republic.

"Already now in the Republic of Komi in many educational institutions there are prayer rooms with complete Orthodox, church paraphernalia, in which underage teenagers are encouraged to perform religious rites. Such ceremonies are broadcast on republican television," the appeal says, which cites the relevant facts .

The document also refers to "the intolerance of the Syktyvkar and Vorkuta Diocese towards citizens who do not profess the Orthodox faith."

"The preferential right of religious education of minors belongs to their parents (legal representatives), therefore, every parent (legal representative) who wants his minor child to receive religious education, including Orthodox, can send him to the appropriate non-state religious school," the authors of the appeal and they ask "to take all possible measures to prevent the introduction of the subject of the defense industry in educational institutions of the Komi Republic."

The document was signed by more than a thousand people - pastors of the Protestant churches of the republic, residents of various cities and towns. The appeal was approved by the Muslim community of Vorkuta.

Later, commenting on this appeal, the press secretary of the Syktyvkar diocese, hegumen Philip (Filippov), accused its authors of disseminating false information. According to him, the Orthodox Church operates within the framework of the law "On freedom of conscience and religious associations." "If representatives of non-Orthodox Christian churches want to offer their educational program, then no one interferes with this. The History of Islam, for example, is also successfully taught in the country," the abbot said.

Sources

• The Christian and Muslim community of the Komi Republic opposed the imposition of Orthodoxy and forcing children to perform Orthodox religious rites // Slavic Legal Center. 2008. July 23.
• Document. Appeal of the public of the Republic of Komi to the Governor and the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation regarding the imposition of the subject "Fundamentals of Orthodox Culture" on schools // There.
• The press secretary of the Syktyvkar diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church MP accused the authors of the appeal about the imposition of the subject "Fundamentals of Orthodox Culture" on schools in disseminating false information // There. August 1. (With reference to "Rosbalt-North")