Russia

Although Russia is a secular state with an atheist past, the regime favours the Russian Orthodox Church, which can mean problems for other denominations. Non-traditional Protestant churches are accused by the Russian Orthodox Church of stealing their members. Since 2011, several legal restrictions have shown a trend towards greater state control and more isolation from the West, which has affected denominations that are seen as “Western”. Meanwhile, in the Muslim-dominated Chechnya and Dagestan republics, converts to Christianity are considered traitors to their national identity. In July 2016, President Vladimir Putin signed into law what some commentators referred to as an “anti-missionary bill”. The Yarovaya Law was formally introduced as an “anti-terrorism” measure, allowing the government to monitor extremist groups. However, Russia’s Christians have also been affected, particularly missionaries, who need a permit, and “house churches”, which are now illegal, as religious activity is only allowed inside registered buildings. Maximum fines are $780 for individuals or $15,000 for organisations. In August 2016 American missionary Don Ossewaarde was fined $640 for holding a church service in his home. He took his case to Russia’s Supreme Court and then, in March 2017, to the European Court for Human Rights. (Photo: Fred Inklaar via Flickr; CC 2.0)