Moscow, Russia – 55% of Russians believe that the next Russia’s president should prefer the Russian Orthodox Church to other religious organizations.
45% think he should not be a religious person himself, but should respect the Russian Church, help it and attend festival divine services, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) told Interfax-Religion on Thursday.
1600 people in 153 populated pointes of 46 Russia’s regions and republics were questioned during the poll held on August 25-26, 2007. Statistical discrepancy does nor exceed 3,4 %.
According to the poll, 10% suppose that a new president should be a religious person and support the Church actively.
One third (34%) think that a new president should treat all religions equally and observe the principle of the Church separated from the state. This thesis finds more support in Moscow and St. Petersburg (43%) than in other cities and towns of the country.
The VTsIOM also gave data on the reasons for growing interest in religion among Russians and their opinion on principles of church-state relations in the country.