Irreligion in Russia

Irreligion was officially state policy during the Soviet Union and was rigorously enforced. This led to the persecution of Christians in the country. Since the collapse of Communism, Russia has seen an upsurge of religion. Adding together those who are undecided, those who are spiritual but not religious, and those who are atheistic, as of a 2012 survey, 43.5% of Russians claim no particular religious affiliation.

Many Russian secularists feel that the new religious establishments are now abusing the system for their own advantage despite the separation of church and state in the Russian Constitution. Most Russians believe that the state and church should be separate.