Religious Laws Passed

TimeWatch Editorial
July 29, 2016

In our last few editorials we looked at the interesting revelation that Russia is responsible for the hacking of, not just Democratic National Committee files but other governmental files as well. The question that some would ask would be, why would the Russians be interested in the outcome of an American Election? Apart from the fact that the Republican candidate appears to be in agreement with the Russian policy on Crimea and The Ukraine, there is a much deeper issue involved. On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, Marc Bennetts writing for The Washington Times under the heading: “Who’s ‘godless’ now? Russia says it’s U.S.” here is how this article opens:

“MOSCOW — At the height of the Cold War, it was common for American conservatives to label the officially atheist Soviet Union a “godless nation.” More than two decades on, history has come full circle, as the Kremlin and its allies in the Russian Orthodox Church hurl the same allegation at the West. “Many Euro-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a recent keynote speech. “Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan. This is the path to degradation.” Marc Bennetts, “Who’s ‘godless’ now? Russia says it’s U.S.” January 28, 2014

It would be surprising in and of itself if suddenly Russia became a bastion of Christian ethics. Bet there is more to this “conversion” than might at first appear. If you do remember, this year, Pope Francis paid a special visit to Cuba. The highlight of that trip was a meeting he had with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. On the 13 February 2016, The BBC published an article entitled: “Unity call as Pope Francis holds historic talks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch.” The article opens up this way.

“Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill have called for restored Christian unity between the two churches at historic talks in Cuba. The meeting was the first between a Pope and a Russian Church head since the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity split in the 11th Century. In a joint declaration , they also urged the world to protect Christians from persecution in the Middle East.” The BBC, “Unity call as Pope Francis holds historic talks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch.” 13 February 2016

So Russia’s apparent conversion is made official with a “Joint Declaration” with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. Even though everyone at home in Russia was not happy, the deal was struck. Notice how the article continues:

“Back home the Patriarch has to overcome the anger of conservatives who still consider Catholicism a deviation from true Christianity. Clearly, this is a criticism he feels safe to ignore now. Minutes later, the Pope and the black-robed Patriarch were holding each other by the shoulders and smiling warmly. Then the leaders of Catholics and Russian Orthodox Christians sat down. It was almost business as usual.” The BBC, “Unity call as Pope Francis holds historic talks with Russian Orthodox Patriarch.” 13 February 2016

Putin’s protection of the church has been surprisingly draconian. Kate Shellnutt wrote an article in Christianity Today on July 8, 2016 entitled: “Russia's Newest Law: No Evangelizing Outside of Church.” Please read the following quote carefully from Kate Shellnutt’s article.

“Update (July 8): This week, Russian president Vladimir Putin approved a package of anti-terrorism laws that usher in tighter restrictions on missionary activity and evangelism. Despite prayers and protests from religious leaders and human rights advocates, the Kremlin announced Putin’s approval yesterday. The amendments, including laws against sharing faith in homes, online, or anywhere but recognized church buildings, go into effect July 20. Though opponents to the new measures hope to eventually appeal in court or elect legislators to amend them, they have begun to prepare their communities for life under the new rules, reported Forum 18 News Service, a Christian outlet reporting on the region. Protestants and religious minorities small enough to gather in homes fear they will be most affected. Last month, “the local police officer came to a home where a group of Pentecostals meet each Sunday," Konstantin Bendas, deputy bishop of the Pentecostal Union, told Forum 18. "With a contented expression he told them: ‘Now they're adopting the law I'll drive you all out of here.’ I reckon we should now fear such zealous enforcement.” Kate Shellnutt, “Russia's Newest Law: No Evangelizing Outside of Church” July 8, 2016

The stated motivation is to protect against terrorist. Notice however that the groups affected are the smaller, protestant organizations. Here is how the article continues:

“The proposed laws, considered the country’s most restrictive measures in post-Soviet history, place broad limitations on missionary work, including preaching, teaching, and engaging in any activity designed to recruit people into a religious group. To share their faith, citizens must secure a government permit through a registered religious organization, and they cannot evangelize anywhere besides churches and other religious sites. The restrictions even apply to activity in private residences and online.” Kate Shellnutt, “Russia's Newest Law: No Evangelizing Outside of Church” July 8, 2016

This is surely a template for the future. We need to be ready.

Cameron A. Bowen