SIGNS OF THE SECULAR STATE AND THE PECULIARITIES OF THEIR REALIZATION IN MODERN RUSSIA
In the modern world a secular policy is being implemented everywhere, which is characterized by a number of features. Based on the analysis of their implementation in different countries the author identifies the types of secular States and determines which of them belong to Russia. It is emphasized that the cooperative model of state-church relations has been developed in our country. It is concluded that in Russia the state is moving towards the inclusion of religion in the public space and expanding the spheres of interaction with individual religious associations (education, science, armed forces, etc.). Although equidistant from religious structures is legally declared, but in practice the opposite policy of building state-church relations and the establishment of a privileged position of individual religious organizations is pursued. Based on the analysis of legislation and law enforcement practice the author identifies the main types of preferences granted to those religions that make up an integral part of the historical heritage of the peoples of Russia. Among them are ideological, material and organizational preferences related to the creation and registration of religious structures. The article considers the application of anti-extremist legislation and the problem of persecution in Russia of a number of religious associations under the slogan of combating extremism. The author proposes a number of changes in the sphere of freedom of conscience, as well as the status of religious associations that need to be implemented in Russia today. In order to better implement the constitutional principle of the secular state, it is proposed to revise the legal classification of collective forms of worship in our country. It is advisable to create equal opportunities for the activities of religious associations of any religion and to exclude a differentiated approach to the believers of individual, especially religions new for Russia.