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Kyrgyzstan

• Update: Restrictive religion law passed

  The draft religion law approved by Kyrgyzstan's parliament in early November (click here for more) has been signed and approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiev, according to a January 13 report from Forum 18. Religious leaders across Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern for their communities, especially those with small numbers. The new religion law stipulates that 200 adult citizens are necessary to apply for state registration, whereas previously only 10 citizens were required. The new law also bans the involvement of children in religious organizations, forbids religious groups from spreading their faith and prohibits the distribution of religious material.

  For more information on the opposition facing Christians in Kyrgyzstan,click here.

• 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 theKyrgyzstan Country Report.

• Church Planter and Son Beaten in Kyrgyzstan

  On July 28, a church planter in Kara Kuldza, Kyrgyzstan and his son were surrounded by a large mob opposed to their ministry in the predominantly Muslim community. The church planter suffered broken fingers and severe head injuries. Both his home and the building where the church meets were ransacked and all of the Christian literature was taken out and burned in the street.

  The national director for the Bible League in Kyrgyzstan reports that such incidents are not uncommon. Mobs have frequently disrupted worship services and threatened to burn down their homes if the religious activities do not stop. In several locations, the wives of the church planters have been raped when they would not flee.

  Pray that this church planter will fully recover from his wounds. Ask God to protect him and his family from further attacks (2 Corinthians 1:9-11). While we rarely receive news from Kyrgyzstan, continue to faithfully pray that the Holy Spirit will bring many people to himself.

• Church Faces Huge Tax Burden

  Members of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in Kyrgyzstan are facing a tax bill which threatens to close the church. According to Vasili Kuzin, senior pastor of the church, this is the reason behind the taxes.

  The head office for the church, based in the capital of Bishkek, was assessed with taxes, penalties and fines totaling 4,822,839 soms ($154,000.00 CDN). The church appealed to the Finance Ministry, but on August 15, the inspectorate's decision was upheld.

  The church contends that the taxes are against the constitution and the tax laws, which state that "Non-profit social organisations involved in charitable activity are free from taxation." Forum 18 has contacted the deputy chair of the Kyrgyzstan Committee for Religious Affairs, Natalya Shadrova, who says that they will look into the situation.

  The Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ claims to be one of the fastest growing churches in Kyrgyzstan, with 9,500 members and 30 affiliate congregations around the country. Several of the local congregations have been denied government registration and have been forced to close. Pray that this situation will be resolved quickly. Pray also for a continued outreach to the ethnic Kyrgyz, who are historically Muslim.