Franklin Graham Explains Why He is Moving Christian Persecution Summit From Russia

An orthodox priest baptizes a child in the Yenisei river in Siberia during
a ceremony in late July marking the Christianisation of Russia by its
 grand prince, Vladimir the Great, in 988AD.  Ilya Naymushin/Reuters

By Ruth Gledhill

Christian Today

Evangelist Franklin Graham has said he is cancelling a summit meeting on persecuted Christians in Russia because of new laws restricting Christian freedom.

Instead, the summit will take place in the US next year.

Writing  on Facebook, Graham said: "Earlier this year I announced that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association would hold the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians – the first event of its kind in Moscow.

"We were looking forward to this significant event being held in Russia because no one knows modern Christian persecution better than the church that suffered under communist rule."

However, just a few weeks ago Russia passed a law that severely limits Christians' freedoms, he added.
Advertisement

"It seems that every week we learn of another example from a part of the globe that shows how critically we need to have this world summit in defense of persecuted Christians."

The meeting which will now take place May 10-13 next year in Washington, DC.

Graham said: "Hundreds of Christian leaders, advocates, and persecution victims from all around the world will come together to address the atrocities being done to those who profess the Name of Jesus Christ."

"As our team continues to prepare for this historic event, please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in the Lord who are being persecuted for their faith."

Last month Russia's new anti-terrorism laws came into force, containing severe restrictions on Christian evangelization and other freedoms. The new rules make house churches illegal and limit religious activity to registered buildings.

Russia's Council of Churches-Baptists warned that in an open letter the laws will "create conditions for the repression of all Christians."  The Protestant Churches of Russia described the new laws as "the most draconian anti-religion bill to be proposed in Russia since Nikita Khrushchev promised to eliminate Christianity in the Soviet Union."

Read more about the Christian Persecution Summit

Persecution Unveiled has been called by God to prick the consciences of this nation and all free people to speak up and act on behalf of those who have no voice. 

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook, and visit our website using this link.