Uzbekistan's Justice Ministry has announced the closure of two officially-registered churches in the ancient city of Samarqand. The churches are accused of violating laws governing religious organizations by "illegally proselytizing among local residents."
According to a May 19 report from Forum 18, the Seventh Day Adventist church had violated the law by conducting services in private homes, allowing children to participate in "missionary religious events" without permission of their parents and consistently discussing "missionary work" during weekly meetings. The church is also accused of reporting "untrue data about the sources of finance."
Forum 18 also reported on the closure of the Miral Protestant Church that is accused of not holding regular general meetings of all members, not holding elections for the pastor and not properly filing reports. The church's Korean pastor, Li Syn Ryul, is also accused of conducting "illegal missionary activity" together with his wife in an effort to attract the local population to Christianity.
Both churches have faced fines in the past because of their "illegal" activities.
Thank God for the faithfulness of those who continue to proclaim the gospel when it is illegal to do so. Pray that they will find the Lord to be their strength as they remain faithful in their witness (2 Timothy 4:17). Ask God to move in the hearts of Uzbekistan's government leaders to allow Christians to meet unhindered.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Uzbekistan, click here.
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