Pastor in Belarus calls for religious freedom

MINSK, Belarus — Concern is growing across Europe about the deterioration of freedom of conscience in Belarus. Few are aware, however, that Belarus was once a haven of religious freedom for people fleeing persecution in Western Europe.

Antoni Bokun, pastor of John the Baptist Pentecostal Church in Minsk, writes that Belarusians’ historical experience has taught that "religious freedom elevates our nation, whereas religious un-freedom leads to the darkest and most tragic consequences."

In 1573 — almost 400 years before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — Belarusians adopted one of Europe’s first legal declarations upholding religious freedom for all, when many other European states executed people for their faith.

"Inspired by our long history of freedom of conscience, Belarusians continue to work and hope for the day that our country will reclaim its heritage as a land of religious freedom," said Bokun, who in 2007 spent three das in prison and was fined for leading worship services.