Christian groups in parts of Russia are concerned that persecution against their communities could be spreading, after a Baptist pastor was charged for “illegal” missionary work and other Protestant congregations have faced church closures and fines.
The full moon rises between a church dome and one of the seven Stalin-era skyscrapers in Moscow, on April 19. Christian groups in parts of Russia are concerned that persecution against their communities could be spreading. MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images “In recent months, the Russian government has stepped up its harassment of Jehovah’s Witnesses, adherents of the Church of Scientology, the Baptist community, members of the Tablighi Jamaat missionary movement, and followers of the Turkish theologian Said Nursi,” he said. “Russian authorities have arrested, fined, or imprisoned members; community property has been seized; and there have been numerous reports of harsh interrogations and allegations of torture.
Although the Russian constitution technically guarantees religious freedom, the country only recognizes four official religions: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam. While minority Christian denominations generally felt they could worship in peace and security following the collapse of the Soviet Union, that has changed for many in recent years.
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That's terrible
Is that worse than that faux war on Christmas?