"Kyrgyzstan is constantly evolving," a local church leader tells Danish European Mission. "The law on religious freedom is actually not a bad law. There are some restrictions, but they are mainly aimed at the radical Islamists. Of course we have to follow the rules because we as churches are also religious organizations."
What is the new law about?
- Right now, you have to be registered to have a religious organization and you have to have at least 200 people registered. They don't have to be church members, but there must be 200 people who think it's a good idea and who can be the initiators of the church. They can be non-believers who support you. That's why it's difficult to start a church - but it is possible. If the new law is passed, we don't know what the consequences will be. Maybe they want all churches to re-register. We hope not, because that would mean a lot of bureaucracy.
Are Christians treated differently in terms of income or jobs?
- It depends on where they are. In the city they don't. In villages and other areas, unfortunately they do. They are seen as if they have betrayed their destiny and many are personally affected. For example, if a Muslim employer knows that you should be Muslim but are Christian instead, he might not give you a job. There is persecution in these areas. But in the cities, it's different because people are probably more educated and they care more about quality and professionalism.
Are Muslim converts treated worse and is there any difference in persecution from one group to another?
- Yes, of course, of course. If a person with a Muslim background converts from Islam, he is treated much worse than others. If a Russian, Korean or Ukrainian comes to faith, no one cares, but if a Kyrgyz person comes to faith, the whole community often turns against them. In villages, the whole village, their family and close relations will turn against the convert if they have a Muslim background. They are seen as traitors to their destiny and their culture.
Do you have anything you would like to say to Christians in the West and in Denmark? How should they react to these stories from Kyrgyzstan?
- We will definitely appreciate your prayers. It is something that is really needed so that the truth will be strong, so that the church in Kyrgyzstan will be strong and so that an evangelization movement can take place.
- I would like to say something more. I would like to invite people to come to Kyrgyzstan. It is an open country for you and people from Western countries can come without a visa and fly in without any problems. You can serve and help a lot of local churches. For example, sometimes we have a team from abroad that helps us with English classes or something else where we can have many students. Through this, the local Christians can build a relationship and friendship and share the gospel with non-Christian Kyrgyz. It's always good when we have such a partnership, and I think the best way to start it is by coming down here," he concludes.
Across much of Central Asia, Christians face persecution for their faith. Danish European Mission donors support these Christians and give them the opportunity to share the Gospel with their fellow countrymen.
