New laws in Kazakhstan oppress Christians

The president of Kazakhstan has ushered in two new laws that severely restrict freedom of religion, reports Forum 18 News Service.

President Nursultan Nazarbaev signed the laws – which have been adopted with what one observer called "unprecedented" speed – in mid-October. The laws have attracted fierce criticism from local religious groups, human rights defenders and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

"The Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations" imposes a very complicated registration system for faith groups, bans unregistered religious activity, promotes censorship and requires government approval to build or open new places of worship. The other new law includes amendments that may also have a far-reaching impact on religious freedom.

Please join us in praying!

• Pray for courage and wisdom for Christians and others who are raising a voice against these restrictive new laws. 
• Please pray believers would be protected from legal persecution. 
• Pray that President Nazarbaev's heart would be softened and that he would relent and repent (Acts 9).

For the full article, click here. The November edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter, a free monthly publication, includes a special report on the increasing restrictions in Kazakhstan. You can sign up for a free subscription here.