Airdrie's Jehovah Witnesses are puzzled with recent news Russia.

Last week, the country's Supreme Court banned the religion from practicing, believing they hold extremist values.

Gerald Dixon, an Elder from the Airdrie Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses says the local congregation is shocked as well as many outside the church.

"People around us recognize us as their neighbours. We're their workmates or classmates or whatever the case may be. Those people recognize that these charges made in Russia are absurd, they're ridiculous, it's shocking."

Dixon believes there can be many misconceptions about the religious group, which promotes themselves as a peaceful society. Unfortunately, some countries in Eastern Europe see the practices of the church differently.

"In Ukraine for example, Jehovah Witnesses are being persecuted there because they refuse to take up arms against Russia. In Russia, now they're persecuted just for simply worshiping God."

Despite the decisions by the Russian court, Dixon says his congregation will continue their practices and is confident Russian believers are doing the same.

"Although they're disappointed with the decision there, they will continue in their worship and continuing sharing Bible truth with other pepole."

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