CENTRAL ASIA: YOUTH TRAINING DAY RAIDED

Earlier this month, a local church in Central Asia held a large seminar for children and teenagers titled “History of the Church.” Many young people from different districts across the country attended the event.

Shortly after the seminar began, police officers, officials from the State Religious Committee, and representatives of local authorities entered the church building and conducted a raid. Upon entering, they separated the teenagers from the adults and began questioning everyone present.

Some of the students had notebooks containing personal notes and Bible verses. These were taken by the authorities as possible evidence. The leader of the country’s Unity of Churches, along with other pastors, was called in for questioning and interrogated throughout the day.

The investigation was initiated on the grounds of “violating State religious law,” specifically for teaching religious topics to minors, which is prohibited under the law. Interrogations took place on church premises, with adults and teenagers questioned separately. According to the official protocol, a case was opened, and the confiscated notebooks were included in the case file.

The head of the inspection team is reportedly the same official who led the persecution of another large church in the country two years ago, which resulted in significant pressure on Christian believers, particularly those from a Muslim background. During the raid, he stated his intention to do everything possible to close the church and revoke its official status. He also threatened to open a criminal case and bring the matter to court.

The Committee on Religious Affairs is aware that churches often organise activities for young people during the summer, including camps, seminars, and training events. These programs aim to help youth use their time wisely, learn valuable skills, study biblical topics, and build relationships within the Christian community. They also provide opportunities for non-believers to learn about Jesus Christ. This recent incident appears to be an attempt to disrupt these activities and hinder the spread of the Gospel.