The Bulgarian parliament is revising controversial draft amendments to a national religion law that critics say would have asserted state control over churches and ministries and could have resulted in the closure of evangelical Christian schools and congregations.

Following protests last week from faith groups, parties in Bulgaria’s Parliament are working to revise amendments that were proposed to the Balkan nation’s Religious Denomination Act, according to the Sofia Globe.

The proposed law would have required Bulgarian citizens who want permission to preach to complete their theological education in Bulgaria or at a foreign school approved by the Bulgarian government.

The proposal would have also made it so only Eastern Orthodox and Muslim institutions recognized by the government would be able to train clergy and run faith-based schools in the country.

The law would have banned religious activities from taking place outside of buildings designated for religious activity and would have made it so only religious groups with 300 people or more would be granted legal status.

Additionally, the amendments would have required foreigners looking to preach to do so in the presence of a Bulgarian-ordained minister. As well, foreign donations to churches would have needed government approval.

The proposed draft amendments, which passed on first reading in October, received immense backlash from many Christians across denominational lines who believe that the amendments threaten the freedom of local churches and the independent nature of the training of church leaders.

Critics feared that the law would force churches and institutions to “close or face unbearable and discriminatory burdens.”

Thousands of Christians took to the streets in cities across the country to protest the law last week.

“We will continue the protests and prayer meetings in Bulgaria until the suggested changes to religious laws are completely withdrawn or until we see realistic proposals which guard religious freedoms and the right to a belief of everyone in Bulgaria.” the Rev. Teodor Oprenov, pastor at First Baptist Church in the nation’s capital of Sofia, told the Transform Europe Network.

Following the large protest by thousands of believers on Sunday 11th November, a further public protest took place, despite the cold wind and rain,  on Sunday 18th November and a special National Service of Prayer is being called for Sunday 25th November.

Rev. Rumen Bordzhiev, President of the Evangelical Alliance in Bulgaria: “In the context of democratic Europe, based on Christian values, faith is a sacred right that cannot be disputed. No true believers are ever a threat to national security. We love Bulgaria and our people, we believe in God, and we will continue with all legitimate means to uphold the right of religion guaranteed by the Constitution.”

SOURCE: The Sofia Globe