Source:         www.assistnews.net

Date:            February 29, 2008

Ministry in CIS continues despite tightening restrictions as new developments in Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan cause concern

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

LOVES PARK, ILLINOIS (ANS) -- According to numerous media outlets, authorities in Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan have taken recent steps in regards to religious freedom that many observers find troubling.

Despite these events, evangelical churches are trusting in the Lord and continuing their ministries, according to Dr. Robert Provost, president of Slavic Gospel Association in Loves Park, Illinois.

As reported, the nation of Belarus has tightened already severe regulations on foreign religious workers. The changes allow the country's top religious affairs official sole discretion in deciding whether religious work by foreign citizens is necessary. The new rules also reportedly stipulate that no reason need be given by the government for refusing visits by foreign religious workers.

In Russia, the government has tightened rules for secular and religious non governmental organizations (NGOs), most notably in visa regulations. Foreign workers for an NGO may now only remain in Russia for 90 days, after which they must return home for 90 days and will not be permitted to return to Russia until that time has expired.

In Kazakhstan, Forum 18 New Service has reported that the government is requiring religious groups to complete "highly intrusive" questionnaires. Religious groups are being required to include details about the ethnicity of congregation members, their profession, political preferences, foreign missionaries, media contacts and a host of other questions. Human rights activists have raised constitutional questions over the questionnaires, but thus far nothing has come into court over them.

Commenting on these events, Dr. Provost stated, "From a Western perspective, these apparent efforts by CIS governments to further close the door for ministry are indeed troubling. However, our experience with the evangelical churches we serve in these countries is that they are undeterred by any obstacles thrown in their way.

"From their perspective, the church survived the horrors of the communist era and by God's grace, stood firm for the truth of the Gospel no matter what the cost. Their love for God and for their people, and their commitment to the truth remains the same today. With the support of our partners, we will continue to help them in any way we can as they proclaim Christ's love to their troubled nations."

SGA is an interdenominational mission which has been working in the former Soviet Union since 1934. SGA has served churches in Russia through pastor and layleader training, sponsorship of national church planters and provision of Christian literature. SGA represents the Russian UECB and is a sponsor of the Eurasian Federation of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.

For more information, contact: Joel Griffith (815) 282-8900