Persecution of Christians in the Eastern Bloc

After the October Revolution, the Soviet Union tried to bring all countries together under one rule called world communism. The leaders of the Soviet Union, starting with Vladimir Lenin, believed that religion should not exist. Because of this, they began a long effort to remove religion from people's lives.

In many parts of Eastern Europe after World War II, new governments formed that followed the Soviet way. These new governments also did not want religion. They closed many schools and churches, and stopped letting religious groups play big roles in public life. Children in these places were taught that there were no gods or spirits. Many religious leaders were sent to prison or faced serious trouble. In some areas, churches, synagogues, and mosques were turned into museums showing that belief in gods was not true.

Treatment of Christians

Soviet Union

After the October Revolution, the Soviet government began a long effort to end religion, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In 1920, a camp was opened on the grounds of a former monastery, mainly holding priests who did not follow government rules.

From 1917 until 1991, Christians were often imprisoned for reasons such as leading religious groups, teaching Sunday school, or opposing the government. The Soviet government promoted atheism and destroyed churches, mosques, and temples. Many religious leaders were killed or imprisoned, and thousands of churches were closed. By 1939, only a small number of churches remained open.

After World War II, the government allowed some churches to reopen, but later closed many again. By the end of the Soviet era, many religious leaders had been executed, and the government controlled religious activities.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the government did not strongly oppose Christianity as it did in other places. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church was allowed to continue its work, but it had to follow government rules. Christians who did not agree with the government, such as Roman Catholics and Protestants, faced harassment and had few rights.

Czechoslovakia

After the communist takeover in 1948, the new government began attacking the Catholic Church. The government tried to control religious activities and punished priests who did not follow the rules. The Catholic Church was targeted because of its history, but the punishments were not as severe as in the Soviet Union.

East Germany

In East Germany, churches were given some rights early on, but as the Cold War continued, the government promoted atheism. Protestant churches became independent from West Germany and were called to support socialism. However, they also criticized the government when its policies were unfair. The churches played a role in peaceful protests against the government in the 1980s.

Poland

The Catholic Church in Poland strongly resisted the communist government. The church condemned communist ideas and helped people protest against the government. After World War II, the government tried to control the church, but the Polish people supported it. The church became a symbol of resistance and helped form the Solidarity movement, which fought for workers' rights and later helped bring about democratic change in Poland.

Romania

In Romania, the government controlled the Orthodox Church and did not allow religious freedom. The church had to follow government rules, and priests who opposed the government were removed. The government also targeted Protestant groups that did not agree with its policies. In the 1980s, there was a rise in religious activity, but the government increased its repression. It was not until the revolution in 1989 that religious freedom began to return.

Hungary

In Hungary, many Christians were imprisoned, and some were killed. A large collection of documents from 1990 showed that thousands of monks and nuns were detained, and many Christians faced severe persecution.

Albania

In Albania, religious leaders were imprisoned or killed after World War II. The government closed many churches and promoted atheism. By 1967, Albania declared itself the world's first atheist state, and religion was banned. Religious buildings were closed, and people were encouraged to report religious activities. After the leader Enver Hoxha died in 1985, some religious freedoms began to return, and by 1990, public religious practices were allowed again.