Belarus expels Polish priest
July 01, 2016
The government of Belarus has expelled a Polish priest who had served in Belarus for more than 25 years, the Forum 18 news service reports.
Father Andrezej Stopyra was informed in May that he would be denied an extension of his residence permit, and also denied permission to conduct religious services. No explanation was given for the decision.
The government of Belarus has steadily reduced the number of foreign priests who are allowed to work in the country. Under the laws of Belarus, religious institutions are required to register with the government; clerics who come from abroad must have government approval.
Belarus also recently denied permission for an Indian priest, Father James Manjackal, to visit in July in order to conduct spiritual exercises.
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