“Horror strikes when reading the chapter of the report on sectarianism”: relations between the government and the Baptists of the Tomsk province in 1905–1917

The study investigates the dynamics of relationships between governmental authorities and Baptist communities within the Tomsk region during a critical period spanning from 1905 to 1917. This research is particularly focused on analyzing how political, social, economic transformations influenced these interactions and shaped their development over time. The purpose is to analyze the character and evolution of the relationship between state authority and Baptist congregations in Tomsk Province throughout this historical interval, taking into account broader socio-economic changes occurring simultaneously. This work relies heavily upon archival documents related to administrative processes, legal cases, publications, and other relevant materials directly linked to the early twentieth century context under examination. The article begins by highlighting the initial formation stage of Baptist communities before 1905, followed by three distinct phases: The first phase (1905-1910), characterized by relative tolerance and legislative reforms that enabled greater religious freedom for Protestants but retained certain restrictions on proselytizing activities. The second phase (1910-1914), marked by increased bureaucratic controls and surveillance aimed at limiting missionary efforts among Protestant groups, especially Baptists. The third phase (1914-1917), defined by rising nationalist sentiments during World War I which further constrained the public visibility and activity levels of German-influenced Protestant denominations such as Baptists. Throughout each phase, attention is given to specific policies implemented by both civil and ecclesiastic institutions towards non-traditional forms of worship, including challenges faced by individual members seeking recognition or legitimacy for their faith-based organizations. By exploring these interconnected factors across multiple dimensions, the author concludes that despite brief periods of liberalization introduced through legislation like Nicholas II’s Edict of Religious Toleration in April 1905, persistent conservative attitudes prevailed among officials who remained wary of any potential threats posed by alternative belief systems diverging from established Orthodox Christianity norms. Ultimately, this tension led to heightened scrutiny and repressive measures targeting Protestant movements even amidst sweeping societal shifts. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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