Restrictive religion law passes parliament in Kyrgyzstan

A restrictive religion law passed its final reading in Kyrgyzstan's parliament on November 6, sparking concern among the Christian minority. The new law, if approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, requires religious organizations to have a minimum of 200 members whose identities have been confirmed by local authorities, bans the distribution of religious literature in public places, and prohibits private religious schools.

Glenn Penner, VOMC's CEO, states, "This law makes it impossible for smaller churches to function legally. Even larger congregations will have difficulty getting 200 members to sign the necessary documents. History shows that these believers have good reason to be nervous about registering their names with the government."

Pray that this law will be rejected by the president. Ask God to give Christians in Kyrgyzstan strength and boldness (Acts 4:29-31).

For more information on the growing opposition facing Christians in Kyrgyzstan, visit the Kyrgyzstan Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer an English camp as an opportunity for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants are invited to embrace the Good News of the Gospel through the platform of the English Camps.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    6,122,781 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kyrgyz (73.8), Uzbek (14.8), Russian (5.1), Dungan (1.1), Other (5.2)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (90), Christian (7), other (3)

    Leader
    President Sadyr Japarov (2021)

    Government type
    Parliamentary Republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Kyrgyzstan

    Ask the Lord to empower these church leaders and their congregation members so they can lovingly and boldly proclaim the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan (Ephesians 6:18-20). Also intercede on behalf of the country's political leaders, who not only need wisdom to justly govern the nation but also eternal salvation through a personal and meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ. May it represent the beginning of spiritual revival throughout this land.

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Kyrgyzstan News

  • New Religion Law Passes First Reading
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Photo: Flickr / Katie Putz (cc)

    While the Kyrgyzstan constitution guarantees freedom of religion, various laws imposing significant restrictions on religious gatherings have been passed over the years, as well those forbidding proselytism and the distribution of religious literature. Since the 2008 Religion Law came into effect, churches were required to register with the government and, in order to do so, they had to consist of more than 200 adult members. In the years following, further modifications have frequently been proposed. One such bill was introduced in October 2023, but the parliament rejected it on June 6th, 2024. (Read more.)

    Read more...

  • Proposed Religion Law Amendments Rejected
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading "Restricted Access" over it.
     

    In October 2023, a bill that would put significant restrictions on religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan passed its first reading. Of particular concern to human rights experts were the legislation's vague wording (which could potentially be subjected to abuse) and the strict new requirements for financial reporting. Previously published details on the proposed restrictions are available here.

    Read more...

  • New Bill Further Restricts Nonprofit Groups
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading
     

    Human rights organizations are cautious as a new bill works its way through the Kyrgyz parliament, passing its first reading on October 25th. If implemented, the legislation would require a nonprofit organization or human rights group receiving international funding to register with the Justice Ministry as a "foreign representative." This act would target any organization engaged in "political activity," which the proposed legislation defines as "action aimed at changing state policy and shaping public opinion for these purposes."

    Read more...

  • Fines for ''Missionary Activities''
    Outline map of Kyrgyzstan, the country's flag, and a faded view of scales.
      

    In multiple incidents that took place during late March, Christians from registered churches in Kyrgyzstan were issued fines for conducting "illegal missionary activities." News of the raids had not been released until recently due to fear of reprisals.

    Read more...

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