Turkmenistan (MNN) ― Although the Turkmen government announced plans to revise the Religion Law, work on a draft hasn't begun.
The two-year delay means a status quo, says Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association. "Until something new comes out, they still have basically what's in the law right now. Even though there is freedom of religion that's listed officially, in practice it proves to be a much different thing."
That's not particularly good news. There's still a ban on unregistered religious activity. Because it is nearly impossible for faith communities to receive state registration, many churches remain unregistered.
Griffith says the government uses non-registration as an excuse to go after Christians for breaking the law. As a result, believers face continuing raids, pressure and interference by the government.
Griffith cites Forum 18 News when taking note of the fact that believers are on the country's exit blacklist, and he says other restrictions on the church include being denied permission to invite foreigners for religious purposes.
Though the proposed new law was a priority in 2008, human rights issues may have played a role in the delay. For the existing church, Griffith says, "We need to lift our brothers and sisters in Christ up in prayer in those countries, and continue to hold up the ideals of being able to worship and proclaim the Gospel freely."
Griffith says the legislation has been pending for some time. Watchdog groups are concerned, with good reason, again citing Forum 18 News: "This government official allegedly said that, 'Even if this new law was to be developed and passed'--this is a direct quote--'Nothing good for you will come from the new religion law.'"
Uzbekistan ranks 10th on the Open Doors World Watch List. The list is a detailed analysis of Christian persecution worldwide. Pray that the truth of the Gospel will permeate the nation.
