On May 31, a new Religion Law in Azerbaijan came into effect along with amendments to both the Criminal and Administrative Codes, according to a June 3 report from Forum18. Under the new law, all religious organizations which have currently managed to obtain state registration will have to re-register by January 1, 2010. Many religious organizations fear they will fail to maintain their legal status. Producing, importing, circulating or selling religious literature without required permission from the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations is now considered an "offence." It is also now an offence to conduct religious activity at a different location from where one's religious community is registered or to be involved in religious activity not specifically listed in the organization's statute.
Pray for the Body of Christ in Azerbaijan as it faces ongoing opposition for His Name. Pray that believers will confidently entrust themselves to Christ so that they can preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12).
More information on the persecution facing Christians in Azerbaijan can be found at the Azerbaijan Country Report.
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