Belarus

Key Facts:
Leader: President Lukashenko
Population: 10.3 million (79% Christian)
Majority Religion: Christianity
Type of Government: Republic (Dictatorship)

This former Soviet republic has seen increasingly tyrannical rule.

The Eastern Orthodox Church is the official state religion; the activities of other Christian groups are restricted.

In October 2006 members of one church went on hunger strike after 18 months seeking government permission to build a place of worship; 2,000 Christians rallied in Minsk calling for an end to religious repression.

But despite promises of action, there has been little change.

Prayer

• Ask God that there might be political and religious freedom for the people of Belarus. Pray for those who have taken a stand against oppression
• Pray that the tiny evangelical Christian minority might will work together in unity as they share the love of God
• Pray for those still affected by the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.