ICC Note:
Religious freedom for Christians in Kazakhstan is infringed upon in many ways. From fines to jail time to false accusations, believers struggle to meet together for worship without repercussion.
07/18/2013 Kazakhstan (Christian Aid) – Is religious freedom a reality in Kazakhstan? The answer depends on who you ask.
While the constitution of this Central Asian country provides for freedom to worship, in truth it is adherents of traditionally recognized faiths and denominations who enjoy that privilege.
Ironically, more restrictive laws were enacted to stem the tide of growing Islamic radicalism in Kazakhstan. In the process, intense government scrutiny of all minority religious groups has led to persecution of Christians, particularly evangelicals.
A law passed in 2011 requires churches and religious organizations to apply for state registration. The process is not that simple, however, as official registration is restricted to groups of 50 or more people. Most Christian congregations in Kazakhstan are small and meet in private homes.
To comply with the new regulations, a group of believers can only gather for worship or prayer in a state-approved location, such as a church building. Since the purchase or construction of a building costs anywhere from $12,000 to $18,000 on average, congregations find themselves facing a great dilemma.
Even believers who are members of government-sanctioned churches sometimes encounter harassment from local authorities and have to prove their case in court.
The crackdown has resulted in arrests, steep fines, and imprisonment. According to the Forum 18 News Service website, fines were imposed on at least 62 Council of Churches Baptists since the start of 2013. The denomination refuses to pay the fines on principle, considering them in violation of human rights.
In response, the government has reportedly imposed a new set of restrictions on the Baptist churches, banning the members from traveling outside of the country until the fines are satisfied.
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Despite opposition, the Kazakh Churches continue to grow. About 25 percent of the country’s population is Christian, most of which are from the accepted Russian Orthodox denomination. Protestants, making up 0.8 percent, are viewed with suspicion as dangerous sects that may pose a threat to the government.
Christian Aid assists ministries in Kazakhstan that have planted more than 120 churches and comprise some 12,000 believers. Donors have also provided funding for a Bible school that graduates over 100 students each year and an orphanage that provides compassionate care in the name of Christ to some 300 youngsters.
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