Religious freedom leaders for the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed disappointment that Belarus president Aleksandr Lukashenko signed into law Oct. 31 highly restrictive measures that limit freedom of conscience and religious expression.
Religious freedom leaders for the Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed disappointment that Belarus president Aleksandr Lukashenko signed into law Oct. 31 highly restrictive measures that limit freedom of conscience and religious expression.
“This new law will definitely create more difficulties for faith communities,” says John Graz, director of public affairs and religious liberty for the Adventist world church. “While the president guarantees Belarus will not become a model of intolerance, religious hatred, and government apathy to international standards of human rights and freedom of conscience, in reality faith minorities have always been restricted in their religious activities.”
The new law outlaws activity by unregistered religious groups, reports Victor Krushenitsky, religious liberty leader for the church in Euro-Asia. “In order to register, each organization must have at least 20 members, and can be led only by those with Belarus citizenship,” he says. Additionally, literature and audio-video material the church wishes to use must be approved by the state. Distribution is only permitted in church buildings or by special state authorization.
Though support is claimed for the law from those of the dominant faith, recent research indicates a majority of the population is not in favor of the new restrictions. An Oct. 4 poll by the Independent Institute for Social/Economic and Political Research indicates that 58 percent of those surveyed thought all religions should be equal before the law.
“The changes that this bill brings are in the negative direction,” comments Artur Stele, president for the church in Euro-Asia. “But all depends on how local authorities will interpret it. Our church leadership in Belarus continues to work hard in all regions of the country to represent our commitment to religious freedom. Despite any law that may be enacted, we will continue to operate and remain hopeful for the future.”
The Adventist Church has operated in Belarus for more than 80 years. Internationally the church is known for its commitment to religious freedom and human rights.