ICC NOTE: The aftermath of Russia’s recent decision to pass the “Yarovaya laws”, restricting religious freedom under the guise of counter terrorism, has seen resilience from the church. Due to the language included in the law which takes affect July 20, missionaries will be subjected to gaining permits from recognized religious organizations in order to evangelize. Even then they will be limited to who and where they are allowed to do so. This decision by President Putin and the Russian Duma has comparable language and restrictions to various Chinese laws which stifle religious freedom as well. 

7/18/2016 Russia (Christian Times) – Russia’s new law restricting religious freedom will take effect in a few days, but churches are not backing down and refuse to pull out their missionaries.

The controversial law, often referred to as the “Yarovaya laws” because of its author Irina Yarovaya, is a package of anti-terrorism measures that greatly impacts religious activity in the country.

Effective July 20, Christians and people from other religions will no longer be able to share their faith with others outside of church and other state-designated areas. Inviting friends to church, even through social media, email or text messages, will no longer be allowed.

Praying, preaching and distributing religious materials outside the designated areas will be prohibited.

House churches, which are prevalent in Russia, will no longer be able to meet, as the law bans places of residence from being converted into areas used for religious activity.

These are just some of the restrictions the churches will face as soon as the law takes effect.

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