Church Comprising Converts Ordered Closed

A family in Kyrgyzstan - Photo: Unsplash / Oziel Gomez
Pray that the Gospel will continue to reach hearts throughout Kyrgyzstan.

A church in Kyrgyzstan, attended by many former Muslims, has been ordered to cease operations. Twice in the past few months, Sunday services have been interrupted by a group consisting of local officials, representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and others. While the church tried to settle the conflict, the opposing group has continued to issue threats and insults. "You will not be able to live and carry out your ministry here," members of the church were told.

Pastor "Miran" (his name has been changed for security reasons), who led the church for over ten years, is also a convert from Islam. After converting to Christ, the school where he was formerly employed as a teacher threatened to fire him. Over the years, he faced false accusations and, as a result, has since not been able to find paid work. For the safety of those involved, the location of the church and further details cannot be made public.

As you uphold "Miran" and other members of his church in prayer, ask that these believers will experience the Lord's abiding peace and provision for their every need. Pray that they will also be able to continue meeting together for needed fellowship and spiritual encouragement. In a broader sense, please intercede for the nation of Kyrgyzstan, praying that the truth of God's Word will be made known among its people -- resulting in the salvation of many more precious souls.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    6,122,781 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kyrgyz (73.8), Uzbek (14.8), Russian (5.1), Dungan (1.1), Other (5.2)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (90), Christian (7), other (3)

    Leader
    President Sadyr Japarov (2021)

    Government type
    Parliamentary Republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Kyrgyzstan

    Ask the Lord to empower these church leaders and their congregation members so they can lovingly and boldly proclaim the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan (Ephesians 6:18-20). Also intercede on behalf of the country's political leaders, who not only need wisdom to justly govern the nation but also eternal salvation through a personal and meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ. May it represent the beginning of spiritual revival throughout this land.

Kyrgyzstan News

  • Pastor Sentenced to Serve at a Labour Camp
    Pastor Pavel Shreider is slightly smiling as he looks through white prison bars.
    Pastor Pavel Shreider
    Photo: USCIRF

    In November 2024, national security police in Kyrgyzstan arrested Pastor Pavel Shreider and placed him in detention. At the time of the church leader's arrest, authorities also raided his home, along with the residences of several other Christians. In the process, thousands of books and Bibles were confiscated, along with cash and cell phones.

  • New Religion Law Takes Effect
    The front entrance to the parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Photo: Flickr / Katie Putz (cc)

    On December 12th, 2024, a draft bill was introduced to the parliament of Kyrgyzstan which proposed significantly tighter restrictions on the country's existing religion law. Referred to as a "very dangerous law," the draft legislation sought to enact stricter registration requirements, prohibit the public sharing of one's faith, and mandated that religious communities possess a minimum of 500 adult members in order to gain legal status. For more information, see our previous report.

  • New Religion Law Passes First Reading
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Photo: Flickr / Katie Putz (cc)

    While the Kyrgyzstan constitution guarantees freedom of religion, various laws imposing significant restrictions on religious gatherings have been passed over the years, as well those forbidding proselytism and the distribution of religious literature. Since the 2008 Religion Law came into effect, churches were required to register with the government and, in order to do so, they had to consist of more than 200 adult members. In the years following, further modifications have frequently been proposed. One such bill was introduced in October 2023, but the parliament rejected it on June 6th, 2024. (Read more.)

  • Proposed Religion Law Amendments Rejected
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading "Restricted Access" over it.
     

    In October 2023, a bill that would put significant restrictions on religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan passed its first reading. Of particular concern to human rights experts were the legislation's vague wording (which could potentially be subjected to abuse) and the strict new requirements for financial reporting. Previously published details on the proposed restrictions are available here.