Russian Christians, Jews, Muslims Form Ten Commandments Party

A group of 134 Muslims, Jews, and Christians from several denominations convened Feb. 17 to create the Ten Commandments Party based on the tenets found in Exodus.

At the event, Russian Orthodox Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin called for a “real moral revolution” that would bring moral values back to Russian politics. Attendees cited a recent disruptive stunt by Russian punk band Pussy Riot at an Orthodox church in Moscow as evidence of immorality in Russian culture. Party members hope to institute religious doctrines in Russian society, get honest people appointed to government, and fight against corruption.

In early February, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Russian Orthodox church should have more input in the country’s family life, education, and armed forces. Last year the Russian parliament passed a bill that enforces jail terms for people who “offend religious feeling,” but has postponed adoption of the legislation. The government later asked that the bill be replaced with an amendment to existing legislation that would protect faith communities.

CT previously reported that Putin banned U.S. adoptions of Russian orphans, starting in 2014; Putin also approved a law to take effect in September that requires Russian public school students to take religion courses.

CT has regularly reported on Russia, including whether the new Russian Orthodox leadership would mend relations with evangelicals. CT also interviewed Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev and how he offers evangelicals more than just an olive branch.

CT has also regularly written on the Ten Commandments, including America’s deep debt to the Decalogue and the importance of avoiding Ten Commandments tokenism.

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