Photo: Wikimedia / Horakvlado (cc)
On December 20th, a meeting was held for the Minsk Orthodox Diocese. During the gathering, which consisted of more than two hundred priests, Olga Chemodanova from the Ideology Department of the Minsk Executive Committee was invited to speak. She told those present that state agencies were monitoring more than 500 religious communities and openly warned against committing any act that could potentially be perceived as being political in nature, including the use of "non-religious symbols." Her address clearly threatened any church leaders who may be considered "ideologically alien," further indicating that such leaders should expect to serve time in prison.
Also addressing the assembly was Religious Affairs official Aleksandr Rumak. His office was directly responsible for the development of a newly drafted religion law which is presently working its way through parliament. For more information on this law and its implications, which would consequently impose significantly tighter restrictions on the religious practices of the country's Christians, see this report.
The threats against the Belarusian Orthodox Church echo the measures recently taken by the government to liquidate the New Life Church in Minsk (see this page). Though the church had appealed the government's action, a Supreme Court ruling on December 12th dismissed the appeal, supporting the actions of the Minsk City Executive Committee. Not only did the liquidation order come into effect that day, the court's decision also closed any future legal avenue for the church.
While the New Life Church no longer legally exists, threats of criminal prosecution continue against its pastor, Vyacheslav Goncharenko. Any future religious activities carried out by Pastor Vyacheslav, or other members of the church, could lead to fines or jail terms.
Continue to pray for Pastor Vyacheslav and the many other disappointed members of the New Life Church as they navigate this new situation. May these enduring believers be further strengthened and equipped to face any additional challenges that lie ahead as they endeavour to remain unified in the love of Christ. Also prayerfully uphold fellow Christians throughout the country who likewise must now contend with these increased threats from the government, praying that they too would receive the wisdom, courage and spiritual fortitude to faithfully persevere in the midst of trial – and thus ultimately "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
