How are Christians persecuted in Laos?
- Christians in Laos face persecution from the Communist government, who see Christianity as a Western religion that threatens their ideals, as well as from local communities who follow traditional religions.
- The Lao government only recognises three churches: Evangelical, Catholic and Seventh-day Adventist. Other Christian groups must operate unofficially.
- Even amongst approved groups, an estimated 75% of congregations lack permanent buildings, and baptisms cannot be held publicly, especially in rural places. Consequently, many Christians are forced to meet underground in ‘illegal’ house churches.
“No one here welcomes your new faith.”
Vanxay
- In rural areas, traditional practices – which tend to be a mixture of Buddhism and folk religions – often supersede national laws, with Christians facing surveillance, discrimination and violence from communities, village leaders and families. One new believer, Vanxay*, was told by his village elders, “In the past, Christian families who believed in this religion left the village. No one here welcomes your new faith.”
- Sometimes believers in traditional communities are deemed to have ‘upset’ spirits, and persecutors respond by destroying their crops and expelling them from the village.
- Christians are frequently denied permission to bury their loved ones in local cemeteries, adding to their grief. Many villagers refuse to allow believers to use the same burial grounds as them, fearing it will anger their spirits. One believer, Arlee*, shares, “I would like to buy land for a cemetery. Every time we need to bury a brother or sister in Christ, there is always a problem.”
Why are Christians persecuted in Laos?
- As far as the authorities are concerned, Christianity is a Western religion that’s opposed to Communist ideals. Laos’ growing dependence on China has reinforced their commitment to Communism, adding to the vulnerability of Christians.
- Those who leave traditional faiths to follow Jesus can be seen as rejecting their communities and traditional ways of life. Some also fear that they will anger the spirits by not participating in traditional practices, bringing trouble to the community.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Laos?
- New believers can be especially susceptible to hostility, as they are viewed as threatening government authority and betraying family unity.
- Christians who are active in evangelism, notably church leaders, can also be particularly vulnerable. They can be imprisoned, fined, violently attacked and even killed, and this can hugely destabilise families and churches.
- The hotspots of persecution tend to be in rural areas, as opposed to urban regions where people are typically more tolerant towards Christians.
What has changed in Laos in the past year?
- Laos fell by six places on this year’s World Watch List, primarily because of a reduction in violent incidents.
- However, recent months have seen intensified police scrutiny of Bibles and Christian literature, with increased confiscation of materials, growing difficulties importing literature, and tighter restrictions on distribution.
How can I help Christians in Laos?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Laos. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors partners support the persecuted church in Laos through leadership training, discipleship programmes and literature provision.
*Name changed for security reasons
please pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for our courageous family in Laos. Continue to embolden them amidst opposition, providing them with all they need to respond with perseverance, forgiveness and love. Comfort and heal all those who are suffering, and meet their every need. Protect believers from harm, and keep secret gatherings free from surveillance and raids. Soften the hearts of local leaders and draw them to You, and use their influence to reach others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
