Russian courts have prohibited at least 10 unregistered Baptist congregations from gathering without state approval, according to Forum 18, a Norway-based human rights group. The banned congregations are part of the Council of Churches Baptist, which has long rejected government registration. Most of the lawsuits—six in total—originated in the Krasnodar Region in southern Russia.
Longstanding Defiance Meets Legal Pressure
Formed over 60 years ago in response to Soviet-era restrictions, the Council of Churches Baptist remains committed to religious independence. Congregations typically meet in homes or small private buildings. Members argue they have the legal right to gather freely under the Russian Constitution, the 1997 Religion Law, and international human rights treaties. However, Russian authorities often view such gatherings as violations of legal norms because they lack registration.
Legal Loopholes and Court Discretion Fuel Bans
Although Russia’s 1997 Religion Law requires unregistered religious groups to notify authorities, the law doesn’t explicitly prohibit their existence. A 2016 Russian Supreme Court resolution clarified that not submitting such notice should not, by itself, justify a ban. Still, courts often interpret the law broadly, citing repeated or gross violations as grounds for restrictions.
Cases Targeted for ‘Illegal Missionary Activity’
Many of the bans stem from accusations of “unlawful missionary activity” under Russia’s Administrative Code. In one case from September 30, the Armavir City court ruled against a Baptist group after security forces reported systematic religious gatherings. Pastor Vladimir Popov of the congregation denied any legal violations and said the prosecutor lacked authority to interfere with religious practices.
International Watchdogs Voice Concerns
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has condemned Russia’s treatment of unregistered religious groups. It noted in a July report that 431 religion-related legal cases in 2024 alone led to fines exceeding $58,000. USCIRF continues to urge the U.S. State Department to maintain Russia’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and to apply targeted sanctions on responsible officials.
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Russian courts ban unregistered Baptists’ activities
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