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World Jewish News
The RF Ministry of Justice will limit the activity of foreign missionaries
13.03.2009
By December, the Russian Ministry of Justice is to introduce a bill to the government on regulating the activities of missionaries in Russia. This was announced at the round table in the State Duma by the Head of MOJ department for non-profit organizations Sergei Milushkin.
In particular, the Ministry suggests defining the notion of missionary activity, establishing conditions on its implementation, and introducing an administrative responsibility for illegal missionary work.
Milushkin also noted that, in accordance with current legislation, foreign preachers may conduct their activities in Russia only at the invitation of Russian religious organizations, but this rule does not work in practice. Therefore, the MOJ is planning to punish foreigners who come on tourist visas, but lead missionary activities. They will not only be expelled from the country, but also charged a fine.
It is expected that amendments will be made to the Law "On freedom of conscience and religious associations" and to the Code of Administrative Offenses.
In February, a U.S. citizen, the Chief Rabbi of Primorye area Isroel Zilberstein was expelled from the country by order of the court. It was found that the rabbi had received a visa, specifying the objective of the visit as "cultural ties," but in fact was conducting religious activities.
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