The World Evangelical Alliance has expressed concern over proposed amendments to Bulgaria’s Religious Denominations Act which it says threatens to force the closure of evangelical churches and institutions or see them face “unbearable and discriminatory administrative burdens”.
The WEA said in a statement that the draft law, first read in Parliament on 11th October, “has implications on the funding and financial management of religious communities as well as on the training and appointing of clergy”.
“Should the law pass, existing theological seminaries are at risk of shutting down, evangelical church pastors may no longer be able to conduct worship services, and the acceptance and use of donations will be subject to government approval and limitations,” the WEA said.
The WEA said its concerns about the discriminatory nature of the legislative change echoed those of the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance and other religious communities in Bulgaria.
“It puts unjustified and disproportionate restrictions on the right to freedom of religion or belief and is in direct violations of the democratic principles enshrined in Bulgaria’s constitution and in the legislation of the European Union, of which Bulgaria is a member since 2007,” the WEA said.
Bishop Efraim Tendero, WEA secretary general, said the proposed law would legalise state interference in the affairs of religious communities.
“At a time when governments worldwide face the challenge of strengthening freedoms while maintaining security, we call on Bulgaria and other democratic countries to lead by example and to strengthen the right to religious freedom rather than to weaken it.”
He said that together with BEA, the WEA called on Bulgarian authorities to reconsider the draft legislation.
“And we call on evangelicals worldwide to accompany our brothers and sisters in Bulgaria in prayer as they dialogue with their political leaders to identify the best path forward.”
