Filipino Community Gets Expert Briefing on Russian Religious Laws

Slavic Center for Law and Justice International Law Department Head Stanislav Kulov delivers his lecture on law and religion in Russia and gives practical advice to members of the Filipino Community on practicing their religion. (V. Cara photo)

MOSCOW 26 April 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Moscow, in partnership with the Slavic Center for Law and Justice (SCLJ), hosted a talk titled “Batas at Relihiyon sa Russia” for members of the Filipino community and Embassy personnel on 14 April 2019.   

The talk was part of the Embassy’s “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” series of talks for the Filipino community on topics of interest or concern to them.

This edition of “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” focused on familiarizing Filipinos in Russia with the laws and regulations governing the practice of religion and the expression and sharing of one’s religious beliefs.

SCLJ, the Embassy’s partner organization, is recognized for its advocacy on behalf religious freedom and its efforts to assist individuals and religious organizations in the protection of their constitutional rights and freedoms. 

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta acknowledged that the constitution and laws of Russia guarantees religious freedom and protection but it was important to understand the legal rules in Russia. “Both the Philippines and Russia protects religious freedom but we have some differences in our laws and practice and it is important that those of us in Russia understand these,” Ambassador Sorreta said.  

SCLJ International Law Department Head Stanislav Kulov gave a comprehensive briefing on law and religion in Russia and its implications on foreigners’ rights to practice their religion. Several members of the Filipino Community actively joined the discussion by making comments or asking questions.

The Embassy organized a similar talk on 04 March 2017, but Ambassador Sorreta said “our community should receive an update because of recent developments particularly on how Russian courts have interpreted these religious laws and because of the recent increase in the activities of organized Philippine religious groups here in Russia.”

“We will continue to provide talks like these. I hope the community will observe some very practical advice in practicing their religion or expressing their faith, among them are: avoid disturbing your neighbors or the general public, do not insist on speaking to others particularly if they do not want to engage and do not insult or disparage other religions or religious leaders. For organized religious groups, there are some registration requirements,” Ambassador Sorreta added. END

A member of the Filipino community asks Mr. Kulov a question while others wait their turn. (V. Cara photo)

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia