Update: The Russian “anti-witnessing” (or anti-missionary) cases
December 27, 2016

(source: http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2242)


SUMMARY: INCONSISTENCY OF “ANTI-MISSIONARY” PUNISHMENTS
Confusion and inconsistency mark decisions whether to prosecute individuals and religious organisations for sharing beliefs under the so-called”anti-missionary” punishments, which came  into force in July, and what the outcome of court hearings is. Of 27 known prosecutions, 13 ended with convictions and fines so far.

A lack of consensus among judges appears to exist over whether the absence of written authorisation (which the amendment states that a person must carry if performing so-called “missionary activity” for an organisation or group) is itself evidence of an “offence” or proof of innocence. 

A lack of consensus among judges appears to exist over whether the absence of written authorisation (which the amendment states that a person must carry if performing so-called “missionary activity” for an organisation or group) is itself evidence of an “offence” or proof of innocence. 

Two Protestants on Moscow train
People whose public expression or sharing of their beliefs may fall foul of the “anti-missionary” amendment appear to be vulnerable to the actions of their fellow citizens as well as the attentions of law enforcement.

Here are a few more examples of the range of charges:

– Baptist pastor charged because children using playground at prayer house might have been able to hear sermons and prayers from inside and have access to religious literature; officials deemed playground an “unsanctioned children’s camp”!

– Ukrainian New Generation Pentecostal pastor, invited to visit local congregations, charged on 22 August for addressing private group of church members in the local pastor’s home.

– Archbishop of Ukrainian Reformed Orthodox Church gave sermon at Messianic Jewish communityon 27 August; police detained him during sermon, having received a message [sms?] suggesting he was trying to convert Jews to Orthodoxy!

Pray for those who wish to share their faith
as they did before this anti-missionary law was introduced this past summer, and that the Russian Federtion will clarify the law and remove the ambiguity so the citizens of the RF can act wisely and faithfully. Most believers in Russia have not been adversely affected by this law since its implementation depends on someone’s initiating the accusation. But it can happen at any time, in any place.

 
Thank you,

Georges