Often considered the last surviving dictatorship in Europe, the government allows almost no political opposition. The Orthodox Church is the only officially recognized denomination. Unregistered religious activity can result in imprisonment or heavy fines. Unregistered churches are monitored by the secret police and violent raids occur frequently. Because the numbers of evangelical and Pentecostal Christians is growing, persecution is intensifying. Two leaders of the Belarusian Christian Democratic party were sentenced to labor camp in 2011, but were later freed. Another was imprisoned and subjected to psychological torture.
Pray:
- For courage and perseverance for pastors whose churches are being monitored.
- For a breakthrough for churches who have been trying for many years to register.
- Praise God that the church is growing. Pray for a change in the government’s attitude to Christianity.
