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CHICAGO—While Christian ministry conducted in
Central Asian countries is already under scrutiny,
in Kazakhstan the government has proposed legislation
that could severely restrict—possibly prohibit—the
work of Christian organizations.
If the legislation is approved, the new laws would
establish a quota of missionaries allowed in the country;
forbid unregistered missionary activity by foreign
workers who are not representatives of religious organizations;
place tougher restrictions on religious groups that
have a small number of members; prohibit distribution
of religious material and informational material with
religious content to citizens in public places; prohibit
the acceptance of financial and other donations by
religious organizations from anonymous or foreign citizens
and organizations; and forbid religious activities,
meetings or gatherings with children under the age
of 18 without written consent from both parents or
legal guardians.
According to news reports, the proposed legislation
by the Kazakh government is an effort to counteract
an increase in the number of “religious sects” and “occult
organizations” that “promote terrorism” or “cause
moral and physical damage to people.” Kazakh
officials say the current laws governing religious
freedom and religious organizations are too lenient.
“If this legislation goes through, it will have a tremendous impact on
our ministry,” says Bible League’s director of Central Asia ministries. “It’s
an extremely heavy-handed move to push the Gospel out of a nation that desperately
needs to know the Truth. While the legislation is touted as being an effort
to counteract terrorist groups or cults, the proposed restrictions are a direct
attack on those spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Others in the Christian community are also alarmed
by the proposed legislation.
“This is an absolute intrusion in the inner life of believers and limits
us by laws and fines as we work to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord
Jesus Christ,” says Rev. Franz Tissen, president of the Kazakh Union
of Evangelical Christians-Baptists.
In 2007, Bible League-trained Christians shared 47,900
Bibles and New Testaments with people in several Central
Asian countries, 1,265 Bible study groups were formed,
and 58 churches were established. |
Born and raised in a nominal Muslim family, Maya married
an Islamic militant whom she feared. Read
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Kazakhstan legislation could restrict Christian ministries