Those of "minority faiths," including Protestant Christians, may find it more difficult to hold public events in Belarus, according to a September 1 report from Forum 18. In June, both houses of parliament approved a law governing public events and demonstrations, stating that organizations may be liquidated (made illegal) if any one event results in "substantial harm to the rights and legal interests of citizens or organisations, or the state or public interest." The law, which came into force on August 29, initially contained exemptions for religious gatherings, but these were reportedly removed by President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The actual enforcement of the law will largely depend upon local and state officials. Some are supportive of religious gatherings while others are very restrictive. Pentecostal Bishop Sergei Khomich told Forum 18 that, "In one region we were told that we could not hold baptisms in lakes and rivers because it would disturb fishermen."
Pray for wisdom for Christians in Belarus as they deal with the new restrictions placed on them. Pray for their continued ministry and outreach to their nation.
