In Russia, two pastors in the city of Vladimir were fined for having literature from a Christian mission listed as an "undesirable" organization in the country. The case was reported by the organization Forum 18 and published by Christian Daily International on November 11.
Baptist pastor Andrey Butorin and pastor Roman Usmanov, of the Chapel at Golgotha church, had inspections on July 1. According to the report, materials from Mission Eurasia, a U.S.-based Christian mission, were found, including gospel booklets and a children's book about the Gospel. On September 29 and 30, the Lenin District Court fined each of them 20,000 rubles, about 242 dollars, roughly ten days of the average local wage.
Usmanov pleaded guilty and said he knew about the decision that made the mission undesirable. Butorin also pleaded guilty but said he did not know. Neither appealed. The fine is based on Article 20.33 of the Russian Administrative Code, which punishes participation in the activities of foreign organizations declared undesirable.
The case shows how the law affects the everyday life of churches: even gospel booklets and children's books can bring trouble for pastors.
How to pray
- Ask for wisdom and peace for pastors Butorin and Usmanov and their families.
- Pray that Russian churches may have and share Bible materials without fear.
- Intercede that the authorities treat Christians with justice.
- Thank God for the faithfulness of the pastors and churches that keep proclaiming the gospel.
Source: Christian Daily International
Illustrative image. Photo: Murat Ts. / Unsplash
