Missions in Russia under heavy fire!

Under some proposed legislation, religious activity in general and missionary activity in particular will be subject to government censure. The legislation being considered right now before the Russian parliament will be a heavy blow to the Baptist churches all across Russia. The Baptist union in Russia described the implications with these seven points:

1. Children under the age of 14 would not be allowed to attend church without the express written permission of their parents.
2. Missionaries would be restricted to preach and teach only within church buildings and with a letter of permission from the sending and receiving organization for the specific dates he plans to preach.
3. Rehabilitation centers would be closed. Christians would not be able to work in places of ministry outside of church buildings.
4. Churches would not be allowed to offer ESL classes, VBS, or any other social work.
5. Preachers will have to give invitations that do not to appear to be influential.
6. Foreigners involved in missions activities would have to obtain religious visas. Religious visas are notoriously difficult to obtain and maintain.
7. It would become a crime for Christians to share their faith outside of a church building.


Let's pray for our Baptist brothers and sisters in Russia! I've posted more information about this and a link to the article at my website.

 

Since the restrictions cover activities that the ROC does not often engage in, they are pretty safe. And, if I know Russia, even where a normal reading of the law would hurt ROC in areas, it will not be enforced to their detriment. This is a law aimed at non-ROC, non-Islam, non-Jewish, non-Buddhist faiths.