Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner
In late May, Protestant church leaders in Tajikistan were summoned to a meeting with Sulaymon Davlatzoda, the chair of the State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals. During the meeting, they were informed that the government would no longer be registering any new churches. "We will keep the figure of registered churches unchanged from now on," Sulaymon told them. He further went on to remind the church leaders that there are to be no religious activities for those under 18 years of age, including their participation in any religious camps.
Believers in Tajikistan recognize that bans such as these severely restrict the sharing of their faith, since outlawing new churches puts a limit on any potential increase in the country's Christian population. Despite the governmental stipulations, many believers continue to worship and teach their children about the Lord, knowing that they risk facing serious consequences whenever doing so.
According to the Religion Law, which came into effect in 2009, any religious activities conducted without state registration are illegal and punishable. Numerous churches have faced fines and arrests for violating these laws. Restrictions for children came into effect in 2011 when the "Parental Responsibility Law" banned all participation in religious events for minors, making an exception only for funerals. For more reports on the persecution of Christians in Tajikistan, go to our country report.
Prayerfully uphold Tajikistan's church leaders, asking God to give them wisdom as they navigate how to appropriately address the new challenges imposed upon them. May the Christian families they represent receive help and support as they endeavour to raise their children in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Pray that the country's authorities will heed the concerns expressed by members of the Christian community, leading to necessary changes to the government's oppressive policies and, as a result, the lifting of unjust restrictions on religious freedoms.
Population
