News In Brief

More atheism in the schools urged by an anxious Pravda

The Soviet daily Pravda indicated Thursday increased Kremlin concern that large numbers of young people are drifting to religion and called on schools and youth organizations to step up atheist propaganda. The editorial accused ''imperialist circles'' in the West of using religion as a weapon against communism.

''It is imperative to carry out more active propaganda of scientific-materialist opinions, pay more attention to atheist education. ... The party is particularly concerned that young people should form firm atheist convictions,'' Pravda said.