Russia’s Catholic Church Warns Against Proposed Curbs on Clergy
Catholic Church officials in Russia criticized planned religious law changes that will require all clergy who studied abroad to retrain in a Russian college. Read full piece
Why Orthodox Christians Are Losing Faith in Putin
Not only did Orthodox Christians make up a significant number of the scores of protesters who took to the streets in pro-democracy protests across Russia this year; many of them openly cited their faith as grounds for taking action.
International Mission Board Worker Andy Leininger Dies at 56
RICHMOND (BP) -- Andrew (Andy) N. Leininger, who served as a Christian worker in the former Soviet Union for 22 years, died in his home state of Missouri on October 13, 2019. He was 56.
In Russia, 159 Known “Anti-Missionary” Prosecutions in 2018
At least 56 organizations and 103 individuals faced prosecution in 2018 under "anti-missionary" restrictions first imposed in 2016, according to Forum 18. Prosecutions have continued in 2019, including two Baptists punished for offering religious literature at a bus stop.
Six-Year Prison Sentence for Jehovah’s Witness in Russia Sparks Outcry
MOSCOW (RNS) — A Russian court has sentenced a Danish member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses to six years on extremism charges in a case that has triggered widespread international criticism. A human rights organization warned that the imprisonment of Christensen could trigger a “wave” of arrests
Why Mariia Butina Wasn’t the Only Russian Attending the National Prayer Breakfast
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In an unsealed affidavit this week charging 29-year-old Mariia Butina with “conspiracy to act as an agent of the Russian Federation” was buried a
Innovative World Cup Outreach Scores Big Despite Russian Opposition
WHEATON, Ill. — Hundreds of churches in Russia are preparing to end an innovative World Cup 2018 outreach on a high note this week,
Russia Expands Anti-Missionary Crackdown Against Baptists, Others
Russian officials continue to expand the implementation of last year’s new law targeting missionary and evangelistic activities, including into the region of Crimea that Russia snatched from Ukraine
Russian Baptists Facing Legal Challenges from Anti-Evangelism Law
Six months after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new law targeting missionary and evangelistic activities, Baptists and others in the
Russia adoption controversy hasn’t affected ‘Angels’ hosting program
Officials at Buckner International say the recent political furor over a news report about a mother who sent her adopted son back to Russia on a one-way flight has not affected the group’s “Angels from Abroad” orphan hosting program scheduled for this