A great resonance in society was caused by amendments to the Law on Missionary Activities . The Russian Federation is currently entering a new level of international relations, in which the fight against terrorism has gained particular relevance. In accordance with the prevailing conditions, amendments were made to a number of regulatory acts. In particular, additional safety measures were established in society. The effect of the new norms began on July 20 of this year. Let us further examine what the Missionary Act (2016 ) says.
Definition
Missionary activity is a preaching, accompanied by the distribution of literature, invitations, and other printed, as well as video and audio materials, including with a group of believers. Simply put, if a person informs someone about his religious beliefs, then this is formally allowed by the rules. If a citizen invites to a particular church, distributes explanatory materials on her behalf, then his actions are regarded as missionary activity. This means that it must be carried out strictly in accordance with established rules.
Important point
It should be noted the scope within which missionary activity is allowed . This is an area of public life in which exclusively religious associations participate. They are, in particular, churches, diverse groups of believers. In this case, the individual right of any citizen provided for in Art. 28 of the Constitution, the Law on Missionary Activities does not restrict freedom of expression of one’s own beliefs. Meanwhile, in practice, in a number of cases, it is very difficult to distinguish between the realization of this opportunity and actions on behalf of a religious society.
The objects
Federal Law No. 374, which introduced amendments to Federal Law No. 35 "On Countering Terrorism," identifies places where missionary activity is permitted . This is :
- Religious buildings.
- Buildings / premises owned or leased by religious associations. In the latter case, the contract should indicate that this area is used for statutory activities.
- Land plots held by religious associations on lease or property.
- Crematoriums and cemeteries.
Thus, if the lease indicates that the association conducts activities in accordance with the charter, there will be no problems with the law. However, in any case, the measures taken in the premises, building, construction should not violate the interests and rights of other persons.
Limitations
Consider what the law prohibits missionary activity says. The norms established that the holding of events by religious associations is not allowed in residential premises. However, there is an exception to this rule. The prohibition of missionary activity does not apply to cases provided for in Article 16 (part 2) of the Federal Law governing freedom of conscience and the work of religious associations. In particular, certain rites are meant (funeral services, for example). In general, if we talk about the prohibition of missionary activity , it is worth noting that the rules do not allow the study of religious literature, meetings with unbelievers in residential premises. These citizens should not be present during ceremonies, services, prayers. In residential premises, these events can be carried out exclusively by believers. However, according to some experts, this rule is contrary to constitutional provisions establishing the rights of citizens.
Subjects
The law defines the circle of persons who are entitled to carry out missionary activities without any restrictions, including studying religious literature, inviting them to churches, etc., outside religious buildings rented or owned by buildings. These entities include:
- Leaders of a church, religious association, or group.
- Clergy (deacons, pastors).
- Member of the Church Council.
- Other church workers.
At the same time, these citizens are required to have an identity card issued by a religious association (organization), which confirms their status.
Additionally
It should be said that missionary activity is preaching "on the street", that is, outside structures and buildings, including through the Internet and the media. Accordingly, if a video with religious content is posted, then only the pastor or another clergyman with the appropriate authorization is entitled to speak in it. Restrictions do not apply to materials in which a citizen expresses his own beliefs and is not associated with a particular church.
Specificity of Distributed Materials
Printed, audio, video, literature, which are published by a religious association and provided to other people, must be labeled. It indicates the official full name of the organization. Formally, this rule means that even a well-known Bible must be appropriately labeled with the name of the church that distributes it. The legislation provides for penalties for non-compliance with this requirement.
Responsibility
A religious association is responsible for the actions of all its representatives. In the case when a citizen who has received permission from the organization violates the established regulatory requirements, responsibility for this lies with her. Some researchers believe that this provision is extremely unfair to religious unification. This is due to the fact that the organization does not have any significant levers to control the activities of its representatives. The established liability, however, indicates the need to exercise caution when issuing permits to one or another person. Experts recommend providing documents to citizens as an exception. If during the activities of representatives of a religious association violations are discovered, then it can be fined up to 1 million rubles.
Name
Legislation requires that the full name of a religious organization be indicated when it carries out its activities. This rule has been in effect for a long time, but at present, rather large fines are envisaged for its failure. A religious association must indicate its name on the building / building where it preaches, as well as in places where field events are held (seminars, conferences, etc.).
Activities of foreigners
Citizens who are subjects of other states are entitled to hold professional religious events if they are officially employed in the relevant organization. They must, therefore, conclude a labor or civil law contract. In this case, foreigners can carry out missionary activity only within the region in which the religious association is registered, and with the appropriate permission issued by the organization. Thus, citizens of foreign countries can preach, conduct ceremonies, teach others, study literature with them if they are officially invited to Russia, and an agreement is concluded with them. In case of violation of the regulations, the guilty entities are facing a fine and expulsion from the country.
Sanctions
Those responsible for violating the Missionary Act are held accountable. The norms set the following penalties:
- For citizens - 5-50 thousand p.
- For religious organizations, churches - 100 thousand rubles. - 1 million p.
- For foreigners - 30-50 thousand rubles. Additionally, a measure such as administrative expulsion can be applied .
If a religious organization conducts its activity, distributes literature and other materials without indicating its full name, it faces a fine in the amount of 30-50 thousand rubles.