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 SALVATION ARMY SOLDIERS and officers distribute hot soup to the homeless who seek refuge at the Moscow train station. |
On February 22, 2001 the Russian Federal Justice Ministry granted Centralized Religious Organization (CRO) status to The Salvation Army in Russia.
This recognition will enable The Salvation Army to resume all its ministries–including the right to publish materials, conduct children’s ministries, raise funds and train its officers–and also ex-pand into areas previously prohibited.
The newly-granted status now necessitates the bringing into line with the CRO charter the local registrations already gained in five cities. It also involves the registration, as part of the CRO, of another nine cities where The Salvation Army is presently at work.
For a short period following the Russian Revolution CRO status was briefly granted, then canceled. Following that, The Salvation Army was liquidated in Russia. Since its return to Russia in 1991 the Army has not held CRO status. When a new law on religion was introduced in 1997, registration became necessary.
The Salvation Army’s application for recognition as a CRO has been the subject of much opposition, leading to constant delays. World reaction to the denial of the Army’s registration in Moscow influenced the Russian government to evaluate carefully its handling of the application by the Army for “all Russia” registration.
A recent visit by human and religious rights monitors from the Council of Europe has also On February 22, 2001 the Russian Federal Justice Ministry granted Centralized Religious Organization (CRO) status to The Salvation Army in Russia.
This recognition will enable The Salvation Army to resume all its ministries–including the right to publish materials, conduct children’s ministries, raise funds and train its officers–and also expand into areas previously prohibited.
The newly-granted status now necessitates the bringing into line with the CRO charter the local registrations already gained in five cities. It also involves the registration, as part of the CRO, of another nine cities where The Salvation Army is presently at work.
For a short period following the Russian Revolution CRO status was briefly granted, then canceled. Following that, The Salvation Army was liquidated in Russia. Since its return to Russia in 1991 the Army has not held CRO status. When a new law on religion was introduced in 1997, registration became necessary.
The Salvation Army’s application for recognition as a CRO has been the subject of much opposition, leading to constant delays. World reaction to the denial of the Army’s registration in Moscow influenced the Russian government to evaluate carefully its handling of the application by the Army for “all Russia” registration.
A recent visit by human and religious rights monitors from the Council of Europe has also been used by God to release the blockages that prevented CRO registration. Worldwide media coverage generated prayer and practical support for the Army’s struggle. Church leaders from Christian denominations in many countries wrote in support of the Army’s status as a religious organization.
“We have no doubt that the worldwide publicity in December to January helped our cause,” said Officer Commanding Colonel Ken Baillie, “and the recent attention of the European Council also helped. But what the secular world would not know is that many, many Christians were praying for us; we have no doubt that God is ultimately sovereign in the affairs of men and nations.”
In December the Federal Justice Ministry’s own Committee on Religious Expertise was required to rule on whether The Salvation Army was a “religious organization.” The committee unanimously determined that the Army was, in fact, a religious organization. This decision was welcomed by the Army and was seen as an important step in the gaining of the newly acquired status.
The Federal Justice Ministry has offered to assist The Salvation Army in gaining registration in the city of Moscow. This registration was denied and appeals to the various courts in Moscow have failed.
Despite the gaining of national registration, The Salvation Army still faces enforced legal liquidation in Moscow. The CRO status does not overturn the denial of registration in that city. The threat still exists that, commencing in April, liquidation procedures will be put in place to close down Salvation Army corps and social programs in Moscow.
The prayers and practical support of Salvationists and fellow Christians are still needed to ensure that The Salvation Army’s worship and ministry continues in Moscow.
International News Release – IHQ
