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22nd August 2010 |
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Pray for Lithuania
Population 3.5 million People 55 per sq km Religion 75% Christian Positives The southernmost of the three Baltic states. A flat, arable land with many forests and lakes. Once powerful controlling much of West Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Strong links with Poland. Independent from Russia 1917-1940; occupied by the Soviets 1940-1990. Independent in 1990 as a multi-party democracy, but still struggling with the legacy of 50 years of Communist misrule. The Catholic Church plays a key role in Lithuanian society, but it has not yet recovered from years of isolation and persecution, and is unprepared for the challenges of the 21st century. Only 14% of Catholics attend church weekly. Younger leadership is pushing for change. There are strong Franciscan, charismatic and evangelical-style networks which are experiencing growth, especially among young people.
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Prayer needs Last European nation to be Christianized. Due to strong Polish influence, Catholicism was politically dominant until the Soviet occupation when all faiths were repressed. Religious freedom today, but preference is shown to Catholics. The Baptists, Pentecostals and Adventists are the most established evangelical groups in Lithuania, but are struggling to come out of a Soviet-era time warp. The hyper-conservatism and defensiveness which enabled them to survive the lean years are now barriers to their growth. Pray that the leadership might see the need for forward progress under the Spirit’s guidance.
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