In Kyrgyzstan, a small Christian church remains under pressure from the authorities, according to the human rights organization Forum 18, cited by Christian Daily International. It is the True and Free Reform Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lenin village, Chuy Region, a Soviet-era pacifist group distinct from the worldwide Adventist denomination.
The church was banned as "extremist" by a court in March 2025, and the Supreme Court upheld the decision in August of that year. Pastor Pavel Shreider, arrested in November 2024 and later sentenced to three years, had his sentence converted to a fine in March 2026. On April 9, he was deported.
Four days later, a new investigation was opened against the community, alleging Saturday worship in private homes. In June, police searched the homes of ten members and took religious books and phones. Five members were held in detention and, between August and September, were fined and released, one of them after more than three months in custody. All have signed travel restrictions while they appeal.
The church refuses, as a matter of principle, to seek state registration, which makes its worship illegal under local law. Experts cited the group's Christian pacifism as evidence of a threat, and the authorities have not explained how Christian pacifism amounts to extremism.
How to pray
- Ask God for comfort and steadfastness for the families of this church.
- Pray that the appeals of the five members will be judged fairly.
- Intercede for Pastor Pavel Shreider, who was deported and is far from his community.
- Ask that Kyrgyz authorities respect the freedom of worship of all churches.
Source: Christian Daily International
Illustrative image. Photo: Etienne Dayer / Unsplash
