In Belarus, the number of religious communities has decreased following re-registration in accordance with the new legislation. This was reported by 7×7.News.

In particular, 42 organizations ceased their activities in the Homyel Region. Among the liquidated entities were communities of Evangelical Christians, Full Gospel Christians, Seventh-day Adventists, and Evangelical Christian Baptists. In addition, two Jewish communities and a parish of the New Apostolic Church failed to pass re-registration.

In the Mahilyow Region, half of the Catholic parishes ceased operating after re-registration, according to Nasha Niva. As of 1 February 2026, 12 Roman Catholic communities are registered and active in the region. Before the start of re-registration, according to the Office of the Commissioner for Religious and Nationalities Affairs, there were 24 such communities.

In the Vitsyebsk Region, 85 Roman Catholic communities remain instead of the previous 94, while in the Brest Region there are 60 instead of 66. At the same time, it is noted that information across the regions continues to be updated. Overall, around 60 Roman Catholic parishes have been liquidated nationwide.

According to available information, the Belarusian Greek Catholic Church has experienced serious pressure. Due to an insufficient number of re-registered parishes, it has lost its status as a religious association, which limits the rights of believers to carry out legal activities within the framework of current legislation.

The total number of religious organizations in the country has decreased by 4.6 percent. The main reasons cited for the closures are new legislative requirements and political factors. State authorities have tightened control over the activities of small religious groups in the regions.

It should be recalled that last year a law on the re-registration of religious organizations entered into force in Belarus. The re-registration process was completed on 1 January 2026, and the final data were entered into the Unified State Register of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs.

The law made the registration procedure for religious organizations more complex, increased the number of individuals required to establish a religious community, introduced additional requirements for their leadership, and restricted the possibility of forming religious associations.

According to experts, the aim of the law is the removal of structures deemed disloyal to the authorities.