Feedback ADC Memorial submitted an analytical material “Religion and beliefs during the war: Comments on the situation in the Russian Federation in connection with Russia‘s aggression against Ukraine“ as part of preparation of the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights “On combating intolerance based on religion or belief“ (in accordance with resolution 58/29 of the Human Rights Council UN, pp. 7-8).
The submission presents alarming facts of militarization of spiritual and religious sphere in modern Russia. This concerns first of all the aggressive pro-war position of the Russian Orthodox Church, but also representatives of other faiths; the politicization of religious life; the propaganda of war using religious instruments; and the persecution of religious figures expressing their anti-war views. All this leads to discrediting of religious ideas of peace and nonviolence, perversion of religious concepts, loss of independence by faiths and freedom of religion by believers, and ultimately to an increased level of hatred and hostility in society, which contradicts the intentions of most religions.