Yanis Smits

The Rev. Dr. Yanis Alfred Smits, commonly known as Bishop Smits, is a Latvian theologian known mainly for his extreme political and religious activism against the Soviet rule over Latvia during 1956-1976. His personal story has aroused global interest in the Christian community in his struggle for basic human rights and social justice.

Biography

Ministry

Yanis and Ruth Smits were both born in Riga, Latvia. Life for Christians under a communist regime was not easy. Yanis was baptized in a river at night. He was unable to study theology because of government restrictions, so he studied agriculture. Ruth's father was a pastor and she met Yanis when he attended Bible studies in her parents' home. Yanis began preaching in 1961, but in 1974 Soviet authorities revoked his preaching license because of his evangelistic efforts. Threatened with imprisonment or worse, the family emigrated to Canada in 1977 where Yanis was involved in outreach to Latvians through pastoral ministry and radio. He has made numerous visits to Latvia to do evangelism and leadership development.

Facts

Honored by the ADL ("see" Anti-Defamation League) in 1992.

Politics

"'Work in parliamentary groups: "'As of 18.03.04. - received MP’s mandate to temporarily replace Mr. E. Jekabsons while he serves as the Minister for the Interior.From 18.03.04. to 19.01.05. Latvia's First Party parliamentary group.From 19.01.05. to 03.11.05. Latvia's First Party parliamentary group chairperson. As of 03.11.05. - gave up MP’s mandate because the mandate of Mr. E. Jekabsons has been renewed. As of 03.11.05. - received MP’s mandate to temporarily replace Mr. D. Jaundzeikars while he serves as the Minister for the Interior. As of 03.11.05. - Latvia's First Party parliamentary group - chairperson.

"'Work in parliamentary committees, delegations, co-operation groups: Parliamentary committees:"' "Standing committees" Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee National Security Committee

Co-operation groups: Latvia - Armenia Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Australia and New Zealand Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Chile Interparliamentary Cooperation Group

Latvia - Egypt Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Greece Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - India Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Ireland Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Japan Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Canada Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Republic of Korea Interparliamnetary Cooperation Group

Latvia - Russia Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Moldova Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Poland Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Sri Lanka Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Taiwan Interparliamentary Co-operation Group

Latvia - Ukraine Interparliamentary Co-operation Group