Evangelical organization ‘refounded’ in Russia

MOSCOW — After nearly 100 years, Russia again has a national evangelical organization.

The World Evangelical Alliance, a worldwide consortium of evangelical organizations, welcomed the newly established Russian Evangelical Alliance with open arms in early April.

The refounding of the Russian Evangelical Alliance took place in Rumyantsevo near Moscow on April 2. The alliance was founded with the support of more than 150 participants stemming from more than 40 churches, organizations, associations, missions and local alliances. Also active in Rumyantsevo was Pastor Ulrich Materne of Wittenberge, the German Alliance’s official adviser on Russia. He has for years been involved in efforts to resuscitate the Russian Alliance.

A final constitution will be passed at the next national conference in April 2004 where issues of membership, finance and leadership structures will be further clarified. The delegates agreed that the establishment of an annual prayer week, joint Bible conferences and evangelistic campaigns as well as the execution of social and political responsibilities will rate as primary future concerns.