Judge rules to liquidate church in Azerbaijan

In the first known case of a church closure under Azerbaijan's new religion law, a judge in Baku ruled on April 25 to liquidate Greater Grace Protestant Church, reports Forum 18 News Service.

Under terms of the ruling, religious activity by the church or its members is illegal and is subject to punishment. The church intends to appeal the ruling. Although Greater Grace registered with the state in 1993, it did not re-register in 2009 when the new religion law passed because leaders believed the church was already registered.

Hundreds of churches that re-registered in 2009 are still waiting for the State Committee to respond to their applications. In some cases, churches were denied registration because of unspecified errors in their applications. Christians fear that the ruling against Greater Grace sets a dangerous precedent for other churches in the country.

Please pray.

• Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will continue to gather together for worship despite restrictions. 
• Pray that believers will confidently entrust themselves to Christ so that they can preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12). 
• Pray that religious freedom will be respected in Azerbaijan.

This story was originally published in our Persecution & Prayer Alert. Every week, The Persecution & Prayer Alert delivers specific prayer requests from restricted nations around the world directly to your inbox. You can also read the stories on our website. To sign up to receive the prayer alert, click here.