Contrary to some rumor mills on the Internet & otherwise, some Christian sources, it is not true that the former Soviet chief Mikhail Gorbachev has become a Christian believer in God & Jesus. "I was & I remain an atheist," Gorbachev said in Russia's Interfax new agency last week. "I think religion is important for society, & I've willingly visited churches, synagogues, & mosques during my travels. But it can't be said I've done so as someone who believes."

A Lithuanian priest had earlier been quoted in an Italian publication that Gorbachev had visited the grave of St. Francis of Assisi with his daughter, & that he had prayed there. The priest said Gorbachev told him he was a Christian believer. In the Interfax interview, Gorbachev said the priest's story was a fantasy & said that "I visited this grave as a tourist, not as a pilgrim."

For the full story: Former Soviet Boss Gorbachev Denies Conversion to Christianity.