Medvedev backs plan to start religion courses in schools, assign priests to armed forces

Dmity Medvedev

Barvikha, July 21, Interfax – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has supported the idea of introducing a course in religious culture and secular ethics at general schools, and for assigning priests to the army and navy.

Medvedev said at a meeting on Tuesday that he had received letters from the leaders of Russia’s main religions, proposing that subjects aimed at the younger generation’s spiritual and moral upbringing be introduced at general schools, and priests attached to the army and navy.

“I have made up my mind to support both ideas – the idea of introducing a basic course of religious culture and secular ethics at schools. I also think it worthwhile to assign priests representing Russia’s traditional faiths to the armed forces on a permanent basis,” Medvedev said.

“I am ready to support both decisions,” the president said.

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