Introduction: Faith Under Fire
In Belarus, even the pulpit has not been spared from state repression. Religious leaders who oppose the authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko or speak out against injustice face harassment, intimidation, and punishment. The regime, wary of the influence of faith communities, targets clergy who support democratic values, creating a chilling effect on religious freedom. This repression has forced many leaders into silence or exile, further narrowing the space for dissent in Belarus.


The Role of Religion in Belarusian Society
Belarus is home to a diverse religious landscape, including Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, and smaller faith communities. Religious institutions play a significant social and cultural role, providing moral guidance and community cohesion. Historically, some religious leaders have been at the forefront of advocating for justice and human rights, making them targets for a regime intolerant of opposition.


Clergy Supporting Protests
During the 2020 protests, religious leaders emerged as unexpected voices of resistance. Catholic Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz openly called for peace and accountability, urging authorities to stop the violence. In response, the government barred him from re-entering Belarus after a trip abroad, a clear act of punishment for his moral leadership. Other priests and pastors who supported demonstrators faced surveillance, threats, and dismissal from their positions.


Orthodox Church and State Pressure
The Belarusian Orthodox Church, closely linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, generally aligns with state policies. However, individual priests who expressed sympathy for protesters or condemned police violence faced sanctions. Some were defrocked, reassigned to remote parishes, or forced to remain silent under threat of persecution. The regime ensures that religious institutions remain under tight control, discouraging any divergence from state narratives.


Persecution of Minority Faiths
Smaller religious communities, including Protestant congregations, have faced disproportionate repression. Churches have been raided, property seized, and gatherings disrupted by police. Because these communities often operate independently of state structures, they are viewed as particularly threatening to Lukashenko’s control. Their leaders are vulnerable to arbitrary charges, fines, and harassment.


Instrumentalisation of Religion by the Regime
The Lukashenko regime instrumentalises religion to legitimise its authority. By aligning with loyal religious figures, the government presents itself as a defender of traditional values. At the same time, it represses dissenting clergy to prevent religion from becoming a source of alternative authority. This dual strategy manipulates faith communities while punishing those who resist.


Impact on Religious Freedom
The repression of religious leaders undermines freedom of belief and expression. Communities lose trusted voices of moral guidance, and faith becomes a monitored rather than free practice. Citizens are discouraged from looking to their religious leaders for support, eroding the spiritual and social bonds that sustain communities in times of crisis.


Exile and Diaspora Leadership
Some religious leaders have fled Belarus, joining the growing diaspora of activists and opposition figures. From abroad, they continue to provide moral support, advocate for human rights, and maintain ties with their communities. Their exile underscores both the risks faced at home and the determination to keep faith alive as a source of resistance.


International Response
The targeting of religious leaders has drawn international condemnation. The Vatican, human rights organisations, and foreign governments have criticised the Lukashenko regime for violating religious freedom. Calls for accountability highlight the broader pattern of repression in Belarus, where no sector of society is immune from state control.


Consequences for Society
The repression of religious leaders weakens civil society by removing influential figures who could mediate conflict and inspire hope. It also deepens divisions between state-controlled religious institutions and those that resist. For ordinary Belarusians, the absence of independent spiritual guidance adds to the sense of isolation under authoritarian rule.


Pathways Forward
To defend religious freedom in Belarus, international actors should:

- Advocate for the protection of persecuted clergy.
- Support religious communities in exile.
- Document violations of religious rights for future accountability.
- Promote interfaith solidarity against authoritarian repression.

These measures can help sustain religious voices as part of the broader struggle for democracy.


Conclusion: Faith as Resistance
In Belarus, religious leaders who oppose Lukashenko face persecution, yet their courage reflects the enduring role of faith as a source of resistance. By silencing the clergy, the regime seeks to eliminate moral authority that challenges its rule. However, the persistence of religious voices, both at home and in exile, ensures that faith continues to inspire the fight for justice and freedom.