First Lutheran Church (Vancouver) Explained

First Lutheran Church
Location:Vancouver, British Columbia
Country:Canada
Denomination:Lutheran
Website:First Lutheran Church

The First Lutheran Church is a Lutheran Church located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It gained local prominence in 2009 when Mikhail Lennikov, an ex-KGB officer, sought refuge within the church to avoid deportation back to his native Russia. He lived in the church with his family for six years before voluntarily leaving Canada in 2015.[1] [2] However, half a year later a federal court overturned the ruling that rejected his request for humanitarian asylum, allowing him to return to the country.[3] [4]

References

49.232°N -123.0522°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Mikhail Lennikov, former KGB agent, leaves Canada after 6 years in Vancouver church . June 9, 2019 . CBC News . August 17, 2015.
  2. News: Ex-KGB Spy Leaves B.C. Church After 6 Years In Hiding . June 9, 2019 . HuffPost Canada . August 17, 2015 . en.
  3. News: Moreau . Jennifer . Judge overturns ruling for deported ex-KGB officer . June 9, 2019 . Burnaby Now . January 4, 2016.
  4. News: Federal Court opens door for former KGB employee to rejoin family in Canada . June 9, 2019 . The Globe and Mail . January 5, 2016.