Institutions of interaction with religious associations in post-Soviet states: a comparative analysis

   The article analyzes the functional powers of institutions of interaction with religious structures in post-Soviet states with the exception of the Baltic states. Institutions are considered within the framework of a centralized management model of state-confessional relations. It focuses on the states, where such a model is being realized. The prerequisites for the formation of a central-
ized model are shown. There are institutions which competence is related only to the religious sphere and those which functionality affects a broader field of activity. The variants of different statuses of those institutions are shown. The author identifies blocks of standard functionality (information-analytical, communicative, related to the registration and liquidation of religious associations, law-making, mediation, etc.) and extended control functionality (control over the production and distribution of religious content materials, direct control over religious activities, the establishment and operation of religious educational institutions, the construction of religious buildings, and the organization of pilgrimages). All centralized institutions for cooperation with religious associations are divided into three groups depending on the scope of their functionality (broad, medium, and limited). It is concluded that the centralized model of regulating interactions with religious structures makes it possible, if necessary, to ensure fairly significant control over the religious sphere thanks to the expanded control functionality provided by the relevant centralized authorities.

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