Author ORCID Identifier
Abstract
The article deals with the reaction of American society to changes in the religious policy of the Soviet Union during World War II. After the reestablishment of the Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church in September 1943, assessments of the state of religious freedom in the USSR ranged from optimistic, which considered this event as a relaxation of restrictions or even the beginning of a new type of relationship between the regime and religious communities, to deep skepticism, which was determined by the awareness of the true motives and goals of the Soviet leadership. The Kremlin's decision was seen as a compromise aimed at improving relations with the United States. Although the level of religious freedom in the USSR did increase compared to the pre-war period, it remained significantly lower than in the USA. In general, the restoration of the Russian Orthodox Church was a significant diplomatic victory for the Roosevelt administration and an important stage in the cooperation of the allies.
Recommended Citation
Khodun, Eduard
(2025)
"Religious Freedom in the USSR After the Russian Orthodox Church Restoration in September 1943: US Viewpoint,"
Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 45
:
Iss.
4
, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2628
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol45/iss4/5
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