The Federal Law defines ‘religious property’ as real estate built specifically for religious ceremonies, religious education, and other types of activities by religious organisations as set forth in the Federal Law, as well as movable property to be used for these purposes. A declarative procedure has been established for the transfer of such property, which is in public ownership, to the ownership of or free use by religious organisations in accordance with the goals of these organisations’ activity, as set forth by their charters.
The law provides for the creation of special committees to settle potential disputes and ensure publicity of such transfer of religious property. In addition, it establishes a requirement to make information on the transfer of property to religious organisations available on the Internet.