Jun 5, 2025
A proposed law in Turkey is drawing sharp condemnation for what critics describe as a dangerous step toward religious authoritarianism—with implications that should concern not only Muslims, but Christians as well. The legislation, approved by the Turkish Parliament’s Planning and Budget Committee, would empower the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) to censor, confiscate, and destroy Quran translations it deems inconsistent with Islam’s “core principles.” Once flagged, translations could be removed from circulation, blocked online, and deleted—regardless of appeal status. Even if a publisher challenges the decision, the censorship order would be executed immediately, leaving little recourse for dissenting voices.
Independent MP Mustafa Yeneroğlu warns that this measure effectively turns the Diyanet into a state-sanctioned religious censorship board. The bill’s vague wording and broad authority pave the way for ideological control over sacred texts—an alarming precedent. For Christians, this legislation signals a deeper threat. If the government can censor Islamic texts under the pretense of doctrinal purity, what stops it from targeting Christian Bibles, commentaries, or digital sermons next? In a nation where the Christian minority is already marginalized, such laws could be weaponized to ban translations of the Bible not aligned with the state’s preferred narrative, silencing Christian teaching under the guise of maintaining “religious harmony.” The growing power of the Diyanet—already overseeing over 80,000 mosques—threatens theological diversity and religious freedom for all faiths. Christians around the world should view this development not as a distant policy issue, but as a warning shot in the broader global battle for the freedom to preach, read, and share God's Word.
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SOURCE: Reclaim the Net