Originally published in My Christian Daily
Russian authorities have intensified their campaign against unregistered Baptist congregations, banning several more churches in southern Russia under laws requiring state registration of religious organiszations.
In October, courts in the Krasnodar Krai region ordered the dissolution of three Baptist congregations affiliated with the Council of Churches Baptists, a network known for refusing to register with the government on theological grounds.
The bans prohibit the congregations from holding worship services or gatherings anywhere within their districts, effectively shutting down their religious activity.
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According to International Christian Concern, at least seven other Council of Churches Baptist congregations have been banned across Russia this year. Local officials have cited violations of Article 5.26 of Russia’s Administrative Code, which penalises “illegal missionary activity” and other breaches of religious legislation.
The Council of Churches Baptists, formed in the Soviet era, has long rejected state oversight, viewing registration as interference in church affairs. This stance has made the group a frequent target for legal action.
Human rights observers say the crackdown reflects a broader pattern of tightening control over religious expression outside the Russian Orthodox Church, which enjoys strong state support.
“Authorities are increasingly treating unregistered worship as an administrative offense,” said a researcher with Human Rights Without Frontiers, a Brussels-based watchdog. “The law is being used not just to regulate but to suppress communities that value independence.”
Russia’s 1997 law on religion recognises four “traditional” faiths — Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism — but requires all religious organizations to register and obtain state approval. Those that refuse can face fines, confiscation of property, or complete liquidation.
Statistics from Russian legal monitoring show a rise in cases under Article 5.26: 187 prosecutions were recorded in the first half of 2024, up from 145 in the same period of 2023. Many involve Protestant, Pentecostal, or Baptist communities accused of “unauthorized missionary work.”
For the congregations in Krasnodar Krai, the bans mean members can no longer legally gather for worship, prayer, or Bible study. Some have moved meetings to private homes, risking further penalties.
“This is an attempt to erase our faith from public life,” said one local church member, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “We only want to worship in peace.”
Human-rights groups and Christian organisations abroad have condemned the crackdown, urging Moscow to respect freedom of conscience. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Western diplomats have previously criticised Russia’s use of anti-extremism and registration laws to curtail minority religions.
So far, the Kremlin has defended the policy as a matter of “legal compliance,” insisting that all groups must follow the same rules.
Analysts expect further enforcement actions as regional authorities continue to monitor unregistered religious gatherings. Advocates warn that the growing restrictions could push many communities underground, echoing patterns from Soviet times.
“This is not just a legal issue,” said a representative of Open Doors International, which tracks Christian persecution. “It’s a human-rights issue — one that affects the very fabric of Russia’s religious diversity.”
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