Journal of Power Institutions in Post-Soviet Societies (Oct 2005)
Взаимоотношения Армии и Церкви в Российской Федерации
Abstract
In this article the author analyzes the cooperation between the Armed Forces of Russia and religious associations. Using a wide range of facts and specific sociological investigations, the author reveals problems and shows tendencies in military-religious relationships, while forecasting its further development in the near-term. The essence, nature, trends and forms of cooperation between the Army and Russian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (ROCMP) are revealed in the article. This interaction has a systematic and protectionist nature. At the same time, there is discrimination with respect to other confessions. Despite the fact that there is no institution of military clergy, the Russian Orthodox Church plays an ideological role in the Russian Army. Ecclesiastic tendencies in the army which are dangerous for democracy may be observed. Among soldiers the ROCMP cultivates great-power chauvinism, religious xenophobia, hatred for the followers of non-Orthodox confessions and heterodoxy. In reality, the cooperation between the Russian Army and the ROCMP conflicts with the Russian Constitution and the standards of international law. Refusal to accept legal norms, ignorance of the principles of liberty of conscience and the infringement of Russian legislation typical for military authorities, commanders of military units and clergy of the ROCMP may lead to fatal consequences for the Army, the Church and the whole country.
