[Kyrgyzstan] Tightens Religious Restrictions with New Law

“Do not worry, for you will be given what to say, and it will be the Holy Spirit speaking.”

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed a new Religion Law and an Amending Law, further restricting religious freedom. The Parliament approved these laws on December 26, with 76 votes in favor, 0 against, and 12 abstentions. The Religion Law, replacing the 2008 law, takes effect on February 1, 2025, while the Amending Law, which increases fines for religious violations, comes into force on February 3, 2025. A Protestant leader expressed concern, saying, “The new law does not improve religious freedom but makes it even harder to practice our faith.”

All religious groups must register with the state. The new law doubles the required number of adult members from 200 to 500 in one region, making registration nearly impossible for smaller groups. Additionally, communities must re-register every 10 years and submit detailed information about their doctrine, history, and practices. Authorities can reject applications without explanation.

All places of worship must also be registered with the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA). Religious gatherings in private homes and building worship spaces on private land are prohibited. The registration process is complicated, requiring approval from the secret police, the Interior Ministry, and local officials. Anyone who shares religious beliefs, including online, is classified as a “preacher” and must register annually with the SCRA. Preachers must have formal religious education, creating further restrictions.

Religious gatherings are only allowed in registered places of worship, pilgrimage sites, or cemeteries. Holding events elsewhere requires 10 days’ prior notice to the authorities, who can deny permission without reason. The Amending Law introduces heavy fines: individuals conducting religious activities without approval face a 20,000 som (€220) fine, while organizations are fined 65,000 som (€715).

Religious books and materials face strict censorship, and public distribution of religious literature is banned. Religious education requires government approval, and individuals must notify authorities before traveling abroad for religious studies. Foreign missionaries and mission groups must register, and government officials and Parliament members are prohibited from engaging in religious activities.

A Protestant leader warned, “If these restrictions remain, many churches will be forced to close.” With these changes, religious minorities in Kyrgyzstan face growing challenges to freely practice their faith.(Source : GNP NEWS Edited)

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.(Matthew 10:16,19-20,NIV)

God, we lift up Kyrgyzstan, where the government is tightening religious laws, restricting freedom of faith, persecuting religious minorities, and even preventing believers from gathering for worship. Have mercy on this land that seeks to block the spread of the gospel and turn away from You. In Your boundless compassion and love, let them come to know You and grant them the grace to return to You. May the church stand firm in this time of crisis, holding onto Your calling with unwavering faith. Help us to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves, boldly walking in faith with wisdom and purity.

Prayer 24·365
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