Protestors in Russia push against election fraud

(Photo by Yuriy Akopov)

Russia (MNN) ― Most of the votes have been counted in Russia's Parliamentary elections

.   

Upsets came from all corners. The communists gained ground in the votes, while Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party lost ground. In fact, United Russia was expected to have enough seats to form a slim parliamentary majority.

However, Joel Griffith withSlavic Gospel Associationsays news reports are shaping another picture. "They're claiming that might even be an inflated figure because of vote fraud."

Amidst allegations of fraud--common to the electoral process, the complaints are sticking. "Those claims were backed by some international observers, pointing to some procedural violations and alleged ballot stuffing and other things."

Several thousand people protested Monday night against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his party. Griffith says the whole scenario tells a story. "What it tells you is maybe the Russian people aren't quite as satisfied as maybe some of the pundits would have you believe."

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also expressed concern over the accusations surrounding Russia's parliamentary elections. Reports from the Associated Press cast into doubt the validity or strength of United Russia's mandate. 

As of late Monday afternoon, the Central Election Commission reported that United Russia led with just under 50%, trailed by the Communists with 19%, Just Russia with 13%, and the Liberal Democrats with nearly 12%. Gains made by the Communist Party raised questions of policy reversal to come. Griffith doesn't think so. "I think it's a little bit early to read too much into the Communist numbers coming in. I don't think that necessarily means Communism is resurgent, as a philosophy; I think it may be a way to send a message."

Griffith goes on to say that changes noted in and around the Commonwealth of Independent States could have some sympathetic ears in the Duma. "As we've seen some of the countries around Russia--such as Kazakhstan--implement these draconian religion laws, you sort of wonder if we aren't going to see this being pushed in Russia eventually. It's our hope and prayer that that doesn't happen."

Such laws are likely to prove problematic to Christmas outreach for SGA. Changes in the political climate of the CIS could also have a lot of influence in Russia. "We really need to pray that whatever happens, this will not negatively impact the evangelical Church and our ability to worship and  proclaim the Gospel."

Griffith urges prayer. There is a growing sense of urgency due to the ideology they're seeing gain in popularity throughout Europe. He says, "Resources are needed: Russian Bibles, Russian Christian literature, also a need for pastoral training and orphan ministry. There are more than 700,000 orphans across Russia that need to hear the Gospel."

Regardless of the outcome of the elections, Griffith asks for prayer "that the door would remain open for us to help evangelical churches there seize those opportunities."

Thousands Rally in Support of Israel on the Eve of UN Vote

Local Churches and Synagogues Demonstrate Support for Israel

HOUSTON, Sept. 16, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On the weekend of September 23rd -25th people all over Texas and the southwest region will participate in an event called One With Israel. This event is a personal call to action for solidarity and prayer for lasting peace and stability in Israel. Around 200 churches and synagogues throughout Texas and the southwest have made their commitment to join One With Israel to prove that Israel has great friends during these difficult times.

Event Details
Who: Local communities
What: Show of support for the State of Israel on the eve of a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian State
Where: Churches and Synagogues in the Southwest
When: September 23-25, 2011

Throughout history, Israel has been in a constant struggle for its right to exist. As the only true democracy in the Middle East, Israel has become the lone refuge for those who wish to live in peace. Despite multiple attacks, Israel has held fast with the support of its friends and allies who are a true blessing.

In September Israel will face another major challenge to Israel's legitimacy as the Palestinian Authority will seek a unilateral declaration in the United Nations where unfortunately they find an almost automatic majority of support. These actions are designed to impose upon Israel a Palestinian plan that will essentially strive to bring Israel back to the 1967 borders and to further isolate Israel within the international community by delegitimizing our nation. Therefore, we seek Greater help in this difficult time. 

As the Palestinians and the Arab world, most of who refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, initiate their plan in September, rabbi's, pastor's, and ministers we will hold a simultaneous event in the synagogues and churches of the southwest United States. We ask you to join in this effort to demonstrate the support of the Jewish and Christian community for Israel. This event is titled: "One with Israel."

The Consul General of Israel, Ambassador Meir Shlomo states, "True and lasting peace can only be achieved by direct negations between the Palestinian Authority and the State of Israel. Anything short of a mutual agreement on key issues, such as the designation of borders, is counterproductive to a lasting peace. Morality, fairness, and common sense dictate that direct dialogue between the parties is key and to halt the UN vote for unilateral statehood. The State of Israel has confirmed its unrelenting commitment to peace and has been willing to go back to the negation table. Regrettably, these cries have fallen on deaf ears." 

The Consulate of Israel to the Southwest calls for everyone who supports democracy, peace, and freedom to demonstrate support for Israel in the "One With Israel" solidarity event that weekend.