Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a controversial new package of counter-terrorism measures, including tougher sentences for extremism and heightened electronic surveillance of Russian citizens.
The law also bans evangelism outside church buildings, and anyone involved in a religious event must secure a government permit through a registered religious organisation. The restrictions even apply to activity in private residences and online. Foreign visitors who break this law will face deportation.
‘The law has been passed along with a list of recommendations to the government designed to minimise potential financial risks,’ a Kremlin spokesman said.
He added ‘the government will keep a wary eye on the implementation of the law and will take relevant measures on the president’s order in case of any undesirable developments.’
Sergei Ryakhovsky, head of the Protestant Churches of Russia, and several other evangelical leaders wrote to Putin last week, stating that the new law ‘is not only absurd and offensive, but also creates the basis for mass persecution of believers for violating these provisions.’
But although Putin has now approved the law ‘it’s not going to stop us from worshipping and sharing our faith. The Great Commission isn’t just for a time of freedom’, said Sergey Rakhuba, president of Mission Eurasia and a former Moscow church-planter.
Coffee, cardboard boxes and the Kingdom of God
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