ICC NOTE: Rev. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, has cancelled this years summit on the persecution of Christians in light of the recent anti-terror law signed by President Putin as it was to be held in Moscow. The law in question, designates for the first time in Russian law what is considered to be “missionary activity”. The result of the imperfect bill enacted on July 20 is placing geographical limitations upon missionaries and evangelists. In order for them to conduct accordingly, they must receive official authorization from their religious organization to speak upon their behalf. Once they have written authorization, they may conduct missionary activity within the confines of the organizations property. Due to the broad language in place, private dwellings and ‘street’ preaching are in murky waters. All eyes will be on Russia to see whether the law will in fact be put into action as presently there have been all but one or two cases in east Russia which has involved Christian minority groups. 

8/3/2016 Moscow, Russia (CBN) – Rev. Franklin Graham says he is cancelling an evangelical summit in Russia after the government passed a new law placing severe restrictions on Christian evangelization.

“We were looking forward to this significant event being held in Russia because no one knows modern Christian persecution better than the church that suffered under communist rule. However, just a few weeks ago Russia passed a law that severely limits Christians’ freedoms,” Graham posted on Facebook in announcing the cancellation of his World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians.

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