DUMA ADOPTS REVISED DRAFT OF RELIGION BILL.

The Russian Duma last week adopted a new draft of the controversial law on freedom of conscience and religious association that President Yeltsin vetoed when it was first adopted in July. (Itar-Tass, AP, September 19) The new draft was agreed upon in August by a working group of presidential staffers and representatives of the major churches active in Russia. It was welcomed by leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church, who said it would protect Russian citizens against crackpot cults, but the restrictions that the new draft places on less established confessions are expected to disappoint many who are associated with so-called foreign religions.

Gore in Moscow…