Protestant pastor says church demolition not to go unpunished

June 21, BPN. Pastor Viačasłaŭ Hančarenka has described the demolition of the New Life Protestant Church in Minsk as “shocking lawlessness.”

He wished patience, faith, love to all church supporters and encouraged them to “keep striving for what God intends for us.” “I believe that new doors will open,” he said. “The greatest change is coming. It will be the greatest good for the church.”

Reports have been coming in since June 20 that construction workers are demolishing the church building. Authorities are planning to build a school on the site.

In February 2021, authorities evicted New Life from the building, a former barn renovated by the community. The New Life parish was established in 1992.