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Local branches of bodies recognized as "centralized organizations", such as the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church or the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, may be able to register this year as new organizations.

But small churches and religious organizations new to Russia, sometimes described as "sects", are likely to lose the status of legal entities and be downgraded to "groups". They would thereby lose their right to hold services in public places, distribute literature, own property or invite foreign guests to Russia.

Pchelintsev predicted that by the summer, Russia would see many such cases. "It is a dangerous situation," he said.

Copyright © 2001 ENI

Visit the homepage of the Institute for Religion and Law.

Visit the Salvation Army homepage, where contact information for the SA office in Moscow is available.

Previous Christianity Today stories about religious freedom in Russia include:

Will Putin Protect Religious Liberty? | Freedoms may be in danger in the new Russia. (July 26, 2000)

A Precarious Step Forward | Loosened rules in Russia may mean better times for religious freedom. (Feb. 3, 2000)

Russia's minority churches welcome liberal ruling on religion law | 1997 ruling against 'sects' upheld, but religious groups claim victory. (Dec. 30, 1999)

Stepping Back from Freedom | The new law restricting religion is part of Russia's struggle to redefine itself. (Nov. 17, 1997)

New Religion Law Fraught with Potential for Abuses | (Nov. 17, 1997)

Jehovah's Witness Verdict Stalled | (April 26, 1999 )

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January (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45