benlehman

I think it is tough for me to decipher what you mean by legally enshrined. I am sure there were written directives regarding the repossession of church property, the 'reduction' of preachers/etc in the nation and the educational focus on "worshiping" the state.

To quote wikipedia:

The regime's efforts to eradicate religion in the Soviet Union, however, varied over the years with respect to particular religions and have been affected by higher state interests. Official policies and practices not only varied with time but also differed in their application from one nationality to another and from one religion to another.