Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II, Walter Sawatsky, 1981

384 Soviet Evangelicals Since World War Il was a further barrier to relationships. Yet AUCECB representatives have regularly attended the annual meeting of the National Association of Re- ligious Broadcasters. The primary purpose appears to have been to make sure that these religious broadcasters would continue to avoid political references in radio programming to the Soviet Union. Conclusion: The Balance Sheet When Alexander Karev died, it was announced that he had made 39 trips abroad in his lifetime. His successor, Alexei Bychkov, during the past ten years, has very likely surpassed that record already. He is only one of the Soviet Baptist leaders who are constantly traveling to different international meetings or making visits to local churches in some foreign country. In 1977 alone, 72 foreign guests from more than 14 countries visited by special in- vitation of the AUCECB. The AUCECB representatives responded with visits, as well as attending many international conferences. During 1977 an average of four tourists a day visited the Moscow Baptist church, the total of 1,223 recorded foreign guests came from 28 countries. More than 2,000 let- ters were received from abroad and several thousand were mailed abroad.* What has this all achieved? How much money has been spent? Was it worth the investment? Such questions are hard to answer but necessary to face. In 1979 some economies on foreign travel were introduced. Bychkov in his report to the presidium emphasized that with each passing year the influence and au- thority of the AUCECB is growing in the world Baptist brotherhood. Through their initiative, the BWA conducted conferences on theological subjects such as the charismatic movement. AUCECB influence was signifi- cant in getting BWA approval of the International Peace Conference held in Moscow in 1977. By AUCECB initiative, a resolution supporting the Helsinki Agreement was approved.® This emphasis on peace resolutions illustrates that the AUCECB was concerned to demonstrate success as a peace-making influence. It can be stated that although they made no major converts to Soviet peace policy, they also helped prevent any serious criticism of Russian foreign policy. Through their influence, the BWA and the WCC did not become leaders of public opinion to force changes toward greater liberty in the Soviet Union. Perhaps more significant than the attempt to prevent publicity for the CCECB, through their many visits abroad they at least managed to present their viewpoint of life in the Soviet Union, and they have won many friends and supporters. The Foreign Connection 385 In fact, compared with the Russian Orthodox, Baptist foreign relatio are vitally important as a protection against future elimination by the st . The extensive travels have guaranteed them a high visibility that m i d them in good stead when pressure is resumed. : en Through their foreign connection