From: ddavis@teamworld.org (Dave Davis)

Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 17:00:09 +0100

Subject: Duma Bill

I read your Russia List information with great interest and thank you for it. I am much better informed since I have begun reading your items. I do not usually respond. However, in light of the drastic restrictions envisioned by the new law recently passed by the lower house of the Russian Duma, I must respond.

This bill is designed to put non-orthodox churches and religious organizations under the thumb of the Moscow Patriarchate. It has no religious merit. It is only a political ploy for control.

There are a few religious organizations that have entered the Russian Federation with which I do not agree, however, this law paints with a very broad stroke and it paints us all the same. I represent a mission organization based in North America which entered Russia in 1992. We have been training national church leaders in the task of starting churches all over the FSU. We have brought in foreign money, expertise, and programs that have benefitted the people of Russia. The law as it stands would severely restrict virtually all ongoing activities like ours and many other agencies. I fail to see how this benefits the people of Russia.

The Orthodox Church claims 57 million followers in Russia. Our organization does not focus on those people. We focus on people that have no church, no religous affiliation, and no faith. We want them to know God in a personal way. We are no threat to the Orthodox Church in Russia. We wish to do good for the people and show them a way to know and understand God.

I believe in competition. I believe people should have the opportunity to check out various religious options and make their own choice. This law will restrict that basic freedom in the Russian Federation. I, for one, would like to raise my voice in opposition.

Dave Davis

103170.3444@compuserve.com

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Johnson's Russia List

26 June 1997

djohnson@cdi.org