p. 5 | Greater Liberty in Russia

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1909

Greater Liberty in Russia

THE religious conditions in Russia appeal strongly to our interest. Our own workers have suffered much in years past because of oppressive laws which positively forbade, or at least greatly restricted, the teaching of any other than the state religion. In spite of these unfavorable conditions, our work has prospered in that field. Nevertheless we welcome the change which has come, and the greater freedom permitted in the dissemination of the gospel message.

A recent article by Baron Woldemar Uxküll gives a clear presentation of present conditions. From this article the following paragraphs are taken:—

The political troubles through which Russia has had to pass in the last years, and especially the edict of religious liberty of Easter, 1905, have had great influence on the religious life of that country. There is an increased activity on the part of all evangelical Christians in Russia. It is no more a crime to preach the gospel and to leave the Greek Orthodox Church; and without obstacles we can preach salvation through Christ to sinners. We have now religious liberty in Russia. For example, the governor of one of the southern provinces of Russia made a trip through his province. In a certain city he was met by some members of the Greek orthodox clergy, who asked him to put an end to the preaching of evangelical doctrines in their district. He answered that there is now religious liberty in Russia; he praised the evangelical Christians for their diligent work and virtues, and said he wished that all Russians might live so. In Simferopol we have public religious meetings without any interference, also in St. Petersburg and many other cities. If the police make any difficulties, then such action is not legal,—not according to the existing law,—and in every case we find that the Greek orthodox clergy is behind this action of the police.

It is a sad thing that we can not trust absolutely our government and its promises. The constitutional rights of Finland were confirmed by the emperor, and after some years the government tried to annihilate these rights. A constitution was granted to the Russian nation, and this has been altered twice already. I think, too, that many high officials of the state church would gladly welcome the abolition of religious liberty, but they understand that it is impossible to control the consciences of one hundred thousand men. They are also afraid to produce more trouble, and we have had enough already in Russia. We must remember

the verse, “It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to put confidence in princes.” From the Lord we received the liberty to serve him, and we know that he has a great people in our empire, and we trust him to maintain the religious freedom which he gave us.