TAJIKISTAN | APR. 24, 2020 – Church Leaders Fined for Translating the Bible
TAJIKISTAN – Church Leaders Fined for Translating the Bible
Arranging translation the Bible into a local language got Christians in Tajikistan into trouble.
Four churches in Tajikistan have been fined for their participation in a Bible translation project.
Between August 2019 and January 2020, the committee for religious affairs fined church leaders the equivalent of between $700 and $1,100. An average monthly salary in Tajikistan is the equivalent of about $150. “They were fined for arranging a translation of the Bible into modern language,” a local Christian said. Older translations include archaic words and some unclear passages. Officials pressure churches with fines and other punishment because they don’t want Tajik churches, which are viewed as foreign elements, in the country. “They want to make us weary and stop,” the Christian said.
Pray for those who were fined and for all in Tajikistan who have grown weary under the relentless oppression.