Instruction Letter to Clergy of the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians on FSB Recruitment
Dear friends! Ministers of ROSKhVE!
Lately, there have been increasing attempts to recruit informants from among parishioners, workers, and ministers of Protestant churches by officers of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.
In accordance with Russian legislation, such actions against clergy and representatives of religious organizations are prohibited.
Federal Law of April 3, 1995 No. 40-FZ “On the Federal Security Service”, Article 19.
Persons assisting the bodies of the federal security service.
“It is forbidden to use confidential assistance on a contractual basis of deputies, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, minors, clergy and authorized representatives of officially registered religious organizations.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What to do if you or a minister of your church are approached in any form with proposals for meetings, contacts, cooperation, or provision of information?
-
If an “agency” officer introduces himself, be sure to ask him to show his official ID. And not just flash the badge in front of your nose, but take the time and effort to carefully record his full name, position and rank, ID number. This can, among other things, protect you from fraud. The press is full of examples of exposing “werewolves” with fake IDs of law enforcement officers.
-
Avoid “unofficial” meetings (in a café, park, etc.). Do not succumb to “spy games.” If an agency officer contacts you, an official representative of a religious organization, and proposes a meeting, insist on its formality. Either in his office at the territorial FSB Directorate, or invite him to your church building, offer tea…
-
If you are invited to a meeting and you have followed the previous recommendations, come not alone, but with someone from your close associates. Perhaps the inviting party will not like this, but you are not their subordinate, obliged to carry out all orders… The presence of a witness will protect you from possible provocations, as well as from sly suspicions from your own people.
-
Do not agree to any persuasion to keep the meeting secret, do not make ANY promises about this. Immediately after the meeting, tell about it at least to a circle of close co-workers, the pastoral council and/or the leaders of the higher centralized religious organization (association, diocese, Union).
-
Do not sign ANY cooperation agreements, non-disclosure agreements of state secrets, or other documents. If you are especially persistently urged to sign this “vitally important” or conversely “absolutely formal and harmless” document, then refer to the fact that you as a clergyman are not entitled to sign such documents without the blessing of a senior pastor or bishop. Also, by priestly vow, you cannot be the keeper of any secret except the secret of confession.
-
Always inform “comrades” that your leadership (bishop) knows about this meeting, and you are also obliged to report to him on its outcomes. Publicity and openness in this matter is your main weapon.
-
For all questions and specific situations, contact the leadership of your association or Union. You may also redirect agency officers to the central office of ROSKhVE, since its competence includes representative functions.
-
The Union is ready, if necessary, to conduct educational lectures and seminars on legal education both for our clergy and church members, and directly for FSB officers and other so-called “power” structures.
-
Pray for FSB officers and other state structures as for God’s servants. Rom. 13:1-5, 1 Tim. 2:1-4.
Sincerely,
First Deputy Chairman,
Managing Director of ROSKhVE
Bishop Konstantin Bendas
Russia, 115516, Moscow
18 Prokhladnaya St.
Tel./fax (495)325-57-12
e-mail: [email protected]
www.CEF.RU
April 29, 2009, Moscow
Related posts:
- FSB actively recruits ROSKhVE Pentecostals Moscow. April 29. – In the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith…