Decree on Freedom of Conscience (1918) affected culture and education by promoting which policy?

• A. Promoted secular education and atheism
• B. Restored religious education and church-owned schools
• C. Expanded religious holidays in schools
• D. Expanded church control over education

Answer: (B)

The policy tested here centers on how religion was allowed to re-enter public life and education after the revolution. The Decree on Freedom of Conscience made room for religious groups to operate more openly, including in the realm of education outside the state system. This meant churches could provide religious instruction and run schools under their own auspices, rather than being entirely shut out or controlled only by the state. That’s why the option about restoring religious education and church-owned schools fits best: the decree opened the door for church-led education and facilities to reappear within the broader Soviet framework. In practice, the decree did not promote secularization as its sole aim; it removed some coercive barriers to religious life and allowed church institutions to function again, which is why expanding church-led education is the best description among the choices.