CENTRAL ASIA: Proposed legislation could restrict Christian ministry
Christian ministry in Central Asia is already under scrutiny but the government in Kazakhstan has gone another step further—proposing new legislation that could severely restrict and possibly prohibit the work of Christian organisations.
Religious Law in Kazakhstan was first adopted in 1992, with few restrictions but since 1995, has been strengthened five times.
If approved, new laws will prohibit the publishing and distribution of religious material like Bibles or other material with religious content to people in public places or private homes, unless the person receiving the literature initiates the contact. The law will sharply restrict the right to publish religious literature.
Religious groups will be severely restricted in obtaining places of worship or to evangelise people outside of their group. Small religious groups will find it more difficult to register as tougher restrictions will require all religious groups to present 50 signatures (the first draft suggested 5,000), rather than the 10 of previous legislation.
If the bill passes later this year, each religious group will have to re-register within 18 months, whether or not it has registered before. If a religious group is unable to register, any previously owned property will have to be given up as unregistered religious groups will not be allowed to own private property or rent public property. They also will not be able to register unless they have a legal address.
Bible League’s director for Central Asian ministries said that if new legislation is approved, it will have a tremendous impact on Bible League’s ministry.
“It’s a harsh move to push the Gospel out of a nation that desperately needs to know the truth, he said. “Although the legislation is being touted as an effort to counteract terrorist groups or cults, the proposed restrictions will also greatly hinder those spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“We ask that people pray for God’s will to be done in this situation,” said Grahame Smith, National Director of Bible League in Australia. “Pray for the Lord to strengthen and protect all Christian believers and ministry workers. Pray that God’s Word will continue to transform the lives of the Kazak people.”
In 2007, Bible League-trained Christians shared 353,040 Bibles and New Testaments with people in several Central Asian countries, who had either gathered in one of the 1,265 Bible study groups or 58 newly established churches.
Will you continue to support Christian ministry in Central Asia? Donate Bibles for evangelism and discipleship ministry in Central Asia.
Go to 25 June 2008 E-news | Go to 11 June issue | Go to past issues |
