READING, England — On September 19, 1997, the Russian Duma (parliament) passed a revision of the new law on religion which had at first been vetoed by President Yeltsin in July. It was signed by the President on September 26.

The revision is seen as a compromise, but many religious minorities in Russia, including Roman Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Old Believers, and some Muslims are opposed to it, claiming that it is discriminatory.

Although ambiguity surrounded the text of the revision, it is understood that a clause is included whereby religious groups younger than 15 years old will lose their legal standing and could be forced to disband: this would have a major impact upon many of the new churches and religious organisations founded since the fall of communism in 1990. Even if the 15-year clause is only applied to churches being formed from the present onwards, it would give power to the officials to interfere wherever a new church is planted.

Commenting on the telephone about the new law, Anatoly Rudenko, the Executive Director of the Bible Society in Russia, said: "A bad thing has happened, but exactly how bad it is nobody knows. No one has been able to see the complete text of the law, but its very essence would seem to be in contradiction to the constitution. "It seems to give too much power to officials who could use it against the churches, any church, even the Orthodox Church. It could be used against the spread of the Word of God in Russia, against evangelism and church planting, against missions. In fact, so far, it has succeeded in sowing discord and suspicion among the churches, and, by discriminating against some churches, it is misleading society’s attitude towards Christianity. As a result it has completely spoiled our former religious climate of tolerance and understanding.

"Its major impact would seem to be on new churches, for example, Pentecostal or Baptist churches, and any church not registered under the communists, if officials should choose to use the law against them.

"As for the Bible Society, I envisage that there will be more difficulties in the future, but if necessary we could continue our operation as a public organisation. However, we have good relations with both the federal and Moscow authorities. I would like to think that this law would not affect our efforts to continue to supply Scriptures, not just for the churches but for all people who want to read the Word of God.

"Now we can but pray and continue with the work, hoping that the door will still be open to spread the Scriptures," Mr Rudenko said, and he called on the worldwide Christian community to pray that Bible work in Russia might continue unaffected.