On February 27, Forum 18 learned that the Uzbek authorities have decided to revoke the registered status of the Urgench Baptist Church in northwest Uzbekistan. This leaves only one other church in the region; the Protestant Korean Church.
The authorities claimed that the church had been working with children without parental consent. Uzbek law forbids "the enticement of underage children into religious organizations, as well as the religious instruction of children against their or their parents' will." The church claims that the parents had given consent but that the parents were coerced into denying this after pressure from the secret police. The parents have since asked the church's forgiveness.
Only registered churches are allowed to meet for religious meetings in Uzbekistan, including in private homes. The Protestant Peace Church in Nukus, 250 km from Urgench, lost its registration in August 2000 and has unsuccessfully tried three times since then to re-register. They have continued to meet, however, even though police have raided the church four times, each time fining the leaders.
Pray for wisdom for the leadership of the Urgench Baptist Church, as they determine the best way to serve Christ in their community at this time.
For more information on the situation facing Christians in Uzbekistan, click here.
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