Prior to its collapse in 1991, the Soviet Union was little more than a death camp for Christians. Firmly grounded on atheistic communism, the government severely terrorized Christians of all denominations, whether Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, or Protestant. All were considered enemies of the state and thus, institutions to be eliminated. Now more than a decade after the fall of communism, Christianity has once again taken hold in Russia, with some estimates claiming that nearly 80% of the population professes Christianity.
And yet, in the past few years there have been alarming developments that are causing many Christians in Russia to question the future of their freedoms. This past April the New York Times released an article by Clifford J. Levy touching on many of pressures and persecutions facing minority Christians, mainly Protestant groups, in Russia. The Russian Orthodox Church, allying itself with the government, has become nothing short of the state religion. Many fear that the Church is simply becoming a cover for anti-Western and pro-Russian agendas.
More and more Protestants are being targeted for their links to the West, with the government even going as far as accusing these “sects” of being used as a front for American Military Intelligence. Protestant churches are now being required to register with the government and are finding it increasingly difficult to bring in western pastors and missionaries, whom they rely on heavily. Russian Orthodox sermons are becoming more anti-Protestant, with one of the major themes being equating Protestants with those who killed Christ.
These issues may seem insignificant in comparison to much of the persecution facing Christians abroad, but they are very alarming warning signs. It is now when something should be done to protect minority rights. During the Soviet reign, most westerners did not even know of the horrors that were happening to their fellow Christians until the country collapsed. The Christian world should keep a close eye on Russia and not let history repeat itself.
