Russia persecuting Christians?

In the days of the Cold War, Christians in Soviet Russia were persecuted daily for their faith - imprisoned, killed, sent to camps in Siberia. These days, after the fall of Communism, the Russian government is theoretically open to people of faith. But some are concerned that things may be going back to dark times, especially for minority Christians.

“Centralized religious organizations” can be registered by combining at least three local organizations of the same denomination. In addition to all the legal rights enjoyed by local organizations, centralized organizations also have the right to open new local organizations without any waiting period. Centralized organizations that have existed in the country for more than fifty years have the right to use the words “Russia” or “Russian” in their official names.

However, the 1997 Law also gives officials the authority to ban “religious groups” -- for any or no reason -- and thereby prohibit all of the activities of such religious communities. As a result, many Christian groups meet in unregistered, underground house churches. This onerous provision has been used to close down Christian churches.