A Bill primarily aimed at anti-terrorist activities was signed into law by President Putin on Sunday 3 July.
Protestant Christians in Russia fear that the new law will be chiefly enforced as a weapon against them but not used against the Orthodox Church, which Mr Putin has favoured in the past.
State authorisation
Two members of the Russian Duma (parliament) introduced a series of amendments to anti-terrorist legislation that would require individuals to gain prior state authorisation before even discussing their faith with someone else. The Duma adopted the amendments and despite major protests by churches the Bill was passed by the Council of the Russian Federation. It then went to Russian President Vladimir Putin who has now passed the Bill into law
The new law requires any sharing of the Christian faith – even a casual conversation – to have prior authorisation from the state. This includes something as basic as an emailed invitation for a friend to attend church. Even in a private home, worship and prayer will only be allowed if there are no unbelievers present.
Held responsible
Churches will also be held accountable for the activities of their members. So if, for example, a church member mentions their faith in conversation with a work colleague, not only the church member but also the church itself could be punished, with individuals facing fines of up to 50,000 roubles (£580; USD770; €700).
There are also restrictions on the extent to which churches can have contact with foreigners; for example, any non-Russian citizen attending a church service would be required to have a work visa or face a fine and expulsion from Russia.
Using anti-terrorism
The Bill appears to be using the excuse of anti-terrorist legislation to clamp down on any churches other than the Russian Orthodox, support for which is closely tied to Russian nationalism. President Putin has in recent years increasingly emphasised his own membership of the Russian Orthodox Church as a means of bolstering popular support for himself. However, even some senior members of the Russian Orthodox Church have voiced concerns about the Bill.
Now that it is passed, the extent that this law is implemented will depend on local authorities. However, the Bill is vaguely worded and, with a heavily politicised judiciary, could lead to a situation similar to that faced by Christians in the Communist era.
Day of prayer
Barnabas Fund colleagues in Russia have expressed serious concerns about the Bill. Leaders of Russia’s Baptist Union called a national day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday 29 June as the Council of the Russian Federation discussed the Bill.
Meanwhile, the Advisory Council of Heads of Protestant Churches of Russia appealed in vain to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the legislation. Now, in scenes reminiscent of the book of Esther (4.1-17), churches all over Russia are praying and fasting for deliverance from this edict.
