Government toughens rules for operation of foreign priests

Foreigners seeking to carry out religious activities on the territory of Belarus are required to obtain approvals from the officials in charge of religious affairs, under a resolution of the Council of Ministers.
Uladzimir Lamaka, a deputy commissioner for religious affairs and nationalities, told the official news agency Belta that religious organizations have the right to invite foreigners to act as priests only upon approval by the Belarus government for the period of one year.

The term can be either extended or reduced. Foreign priests are banned from carrying out religious activities in the settlements which are not part of the territory of operation by the inviting religious organization.