Faith
Russian Courts Target Baptist Churches Amid Crackdown
Faith Facts
- Three more Council of Churches Baptist congregations were banned in southern Russia for refusing to register with the state.
- Court rulings in Timashyovsk, Armavir, and Tuapse cited absence of notification about church activities, not gross violations.
- Russian law remains unclear on what justifies a ban, yet authorities continue to pressure unregistered Protestant groups.
Russian courts have increased restrictions on unregistered Baptist churches, further threatening religious liberty for Bible-believing Christians. The faith-based Council of Churches Baptists sees court-ordered registration requirements as state control that violates their religious convictions.
Authorities entered church buildings during worship services and questioned pastors about their legal status. Many of these pastors and church members have received fines for leading worship, distributing Christian literature, or gathering without state approval.
“The reason these churches choose not to register lies in their foundational purpose,” a recent statement from International Christian Concern explained. “The Council of Churches Baptists was established during the Cold War to resist Soviet control over its congregations, unlike registered churches, which were strictly regulated by the state. Although the Council continued its activities after the fall of the Soviet Union and now meets openly, they do so only in private homes or on private land.”
Almost all banned Council churches are located in Krasnodar, but similar actions have expanded throughout Russia. Many believers continue to worship despite government threats and legislative attempts to further restrict where Christians can gather, placing faith and freedom on the line.
Despite pressure, these faithful Christians remain steadfast, committed to Biblical principles and their constitutional right to assemble for worship. Their resolve is a testimony to the enduring value of religious liberty in the face of adversity.
Faith Facts
- The Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic preschools, and a Catholic family are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review Colorado’s exclusion of faith-based preschools from a universal pre-K program.
- The Colorado Universal Preschool Program requires all participants to sign a nondiscrimination agreement relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, which conflicted with the schools’ religious convictions.
- A federal appeals court upheld Colorado’s policy, but the plaintiffs argue it violates the First Amendment rights of religious institutions.
Families seeking a Christian preschool education in Colorado are facing obstacles because of requirements tied to secular values. The conflict centers on whether Catholic preschools can uphold their faith principles without being excluded from state benefits.
Religious liberty advocates warn that denying equal participation to faith-based schools harms America’s tradition of freedom of conscience. They urge the Supreme Court to protect the right of Christian families to access preschool programs in accordance with their beliefs.
“Colorado is picking winners and losers based on the content of their religious beliefs,” said Nick Reaves, senior counsel at Becket. “That sort of religious discrimination flies in the face of our nation’s traditions and decades of Supreme Court rulings. We’re asking the Court to step in and make sure ‘universal’ preschool really is universal.”
The outcome of this legal battle will impact the ability of faith communities to educate children according to biblical foundations. Stand firm in praying that our schools and families remain free to follow their Christian convictions.
Faith Facts
- The Kennedy Center will host “Noel: Jesus is Born!” on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House, Washington, D.C.
- Charles Billingsley and his Yuletide Orchestra will perform, featuring Bible readings and a live Nativity scene.
- Billingsley, a Christian musician and teaching pastor, has headlined thousands of concerts and is an advocate for faith-based celebrations.
This Christmas, the Kennedy Center welcomes families to experience the story of Jesus’ birth with music grounded in Christian tradition and biblical truth. The event is designed to foster memorable celebrations that honor the sacred meaning of Christmas in a cherished American institution.
Kennedy Center leaders are spotlighting the importance of Christ’s birth during this season with a significant public gathering, reinforcing faith and family at the nation’s cultural heart.
“Tis the season to create cherished memories and celebrate the sacred alongside the festive.”
Billingsley’s ministry through music continues with additional Christmas concerts in cities across the country, demonstrating the enduring impact of his faith-driven mission.
Other Christmas programming at the Kennedy Center this year includes performances by the Cincinnati Ballet, Melinda Doolittle, and Gregory Porter.
Faith Facts
- YouVersion celebrates reaching one billion app installs with a global livestream event.
- The YouVersion Bible App now provides access to over 3,600 Bible translations in 2,300+ languages.
- Global Bible Month encourages daily engagement with Scripture through November’s 30-Day Bible Challenge.
The YouVersion Bible App is honoring one billion installs by hosting a global livestream, showcasing the power of Scripture to transform lives across nations. The event on November 17 unites worship leaders and believers to give thanks for technology enabling God’s Word to reach new generations worldwide.
Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion’s founder and CEO, explains the heart behind the milestone:
“This milestone is really a celebration of the Bible itself and what happens when people around the world work together to get it into the hands and hearts of more people.”
YouVersion’s digital ministry continues to make Scripture available to communities often overlooked in traditional publishing, now serving in partnership with thousands of churches and Christian groups. This movement is fueling notable growth in places like the UK, where a fresh hunger for God’s Word has spread among young people and church attendance rises.
Stephen Foster, rector at St Aldate’s Church in Oxford, shares:
“It’s exciting to witness communities across Britain rediscovering the transformative power of Scripture in their daily lives.”
Global Bible Month urges believers everywhere to return to daily Bible reading, building faith foundations and spiritual resilience. The 30-Day Bible Challenge inspires Christian families and individuals to experience the truth and hope found in God’s Word each day throughout November.
To learn more about the livestream and join this worldwide celebration, visit:
-
Self-Reliance8 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News8 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith7 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family8 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News8 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom8 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family6 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith6 months agoMassive California Baptism Bash Shatters Records, Ignites Thousands!