Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum 18
Courts in Russia have prohibited the activities of several Council of Churches Baptist congregations due to their refusal to register with the state. As a result, at least five church buildings were forcibly closed, and three more are presently under investigation. A court order issued in September 2024 applies to all the congregations of this denomination, which comprise of an estimated 2,500 churches.
In Kurganinsk, one congregation has been gathering outdoors since this May, after bailiffs sealed the doors of their church building. "Last Sunday, I witnessed church members old and young praying on their knees, right on the pavement," recounts a member of this congregation. "The [believers] have one heart and one spirit. The church defends its independence from the state."
Although prosecutors claim that the forced closures are necessary to maintain public order and state security, these Christian communities are reputed for their long history of peaceful worship gatherings. In fact, the churches' opposition to state registration, which has been shaped by past persecution under the former Soviet Union, happens to be a key element of their identity. Since the collapse of the USSR, these congregations have continued to meet openly, often in private homes and prayer houses.
While the current crackdown is particularly targeting the Council of Churches Baptist congregations, Christian leaders of other denominations are concerned that more unregistered churches in Russia may soon face similar opposition. (Additional reports addressing Christian persecution in this country are available here.)
Severe restrictions are also being imposed on congregations in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, where courts have penalized individuals and churches for worshipping or sharing their faith without official permission.
- Please prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, asking the Lord to provide them wisdom and guidance as they seek to worship peacefully amid the increased pressures.
- May divinely appointed opportunities be made available to Christians within these restricted regions, enabling them to continue sharing their faith with others in their communities.
- Pray for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine; and that, throughout the process, the Lord will grant protection, peace and various other means of provision to believers living within the occupied territories.
