Religion

During the last centuries, there have been no serious social conflicts in Latvia based on ethnic or religious differentiation. Religious life in Latvia has been unique for its centuries-old variety of religious beliefs with many branches functioning peacefully alongside one another. Latvia's own oldest religion is based in a belief of natural deities. These ancient traditions are preserved in Latvian folk songs and legends, as well as in festivals such as "Jani", which marks the summer solstice and is still a national holiday. Christianity arrived in Latvia through the missionaries and crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Reformation had a significant impact on Latvia; except for the eastern part of Latvia which at the time was part of the Polish Empire and Catholic, since the 17th century, the main religion in Latvia is seen to be Lutheranism. The first Bible to be printed in Latvian, translated by the Rev. Ernest Glueck was published in 1689, with support from the Swedish crown. Russian Orthodoxy spread in Latvia as part of the Russification policies of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The oldest Old-Believers' parish in the world has its home in Latvia; Old-Believers can trace their origins in Latvia back to the 18th century. Independent Latvia (1918-1939) offered extensive religious freedom. The University of Latvia School of Theology educated Lutheran and Catholic clergy, while Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox churches all had autonomous archbishops, as did a separate German Lutheran church. With the advent of WWII, and Soviet occupation in 1940 the importance and influence of the church was greatly diminished as the Soviet authorities viewed religion as a manifestation of anti-communism, there was extensive persecution of clergy, as well as the nationalization and confiscation of church properties. With many Latvians fleeing to the west during the war, separate Latvian Lutheran and Catholic churches were established by Latvians in the diaspora. Over the years of Soviet occupation, religious organizations were subject to close supervision by the state, and religious believers were harassed and persecuted. Concurrently, a broad-based propaganda campaign against religion was effected through the educational system, many churches were closed and worship activities were severely restricted.