Better Relations between US and Russia could be a Positive for the Church

"I think any time there is improved relations between Russia and the United States, that can certainly have a positive effect on evangelical churches."

(Moscow, Russia)—President Obama, earlier this week, was in Russia pursuing a series of meetings with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev. The focus of the engagements has been to warm relations between the two countries, and to partner together in a united goal of nuclear disarmament. (Photo: AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Indeed, by Tuesday both presidents had announced a new treaty that would "call for the mutual reduction of Russian and US nuclear warheads," according to the Christian Post report.

Leaving behind the political implications of the treaty, the idea of a more friendly relationship for Russia and the US may, in turn, help Russian Christians who had worried about a return to "Soviet-era persecution."

Joel Griffith, a spokesman for Slavic Gospel Association to Mission Network News stated, "I think any time there [are] improved relations between Russia and the United States, that can certainly have a positive effect on evangelical churches."