Russia Bans Bibles and Christian Resources Linked to Mission Eurasia

Russian authorities have banned Bibles and Christian resources connected to Mission Eurasia, a ministry that has served evangelical churches across the former Soviet Union for decades. The ban was announced in late August 2026.

Officials have conducted searches of seminaries, bookstores, and churches in multiple Russian cities, confiscating materials linked to the organization. Mission Eurasia said the action affects thousands of congregations that rely on its resources for worship and theological education.

The ministry, founded in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, has distributed millions of Bibles and trained thousands of church leaders across Russia and neighboring countries. Its founder called the ban an attack on religious freedom and a return to Soviet-era suppression of Christianity.

Russian authorities have not publicly explained the specific legal basis for the ban. The action follows a broader pattern of restrictions on religious organizations deemed to have foreign ties or influence.

Christian leaders in Russia say the ban creates significant challenges for churches that depend on Mission Eurasia's training programs and printed materials. Some congregations are exploring digital alternatives, though internet access remains restricted in parts of the country.

International religious freedom advocates have condemned the move and are calling on Western governments to raise the issue in diplomatic channels.