Local officials intimidate pastor Pavel Kobzar with allegations of an improper building permit and tax issues. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs informed Jeff Thompson, EEO executive director, that it will not renew its agreement with EEO for work in prisons in 1998. ECB leader Yuri Sipko noted increased discrimination by local authorities denying Protestants the right to rent public facilities for worship. 15 Oct. Briansk Jewish Rejection of registration application. Local court decision displaced ROCA congregation in favor of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Church of the Epiphany.
Case is under appeal.
Oct. Reutov, Moscow Region Presbyterian Rejection of registration application. Catholics also face steep arbitrary rent increases. Citing the new law on religion, city officials canceled evangelistic services a few days before meetings were to begin. Regional authorities had granted permits. Buzuluk mayor refused to turn on fax machine in order not to receive notice from Moscow that Adventists, in Russia 110 years, should be allowed to hold meetings.