Bhutan

Key Facts:
Leader: King Jigme Wangchuck
Population: 700,000 (1% Christian)
Majority Religion: Lamaistic Buddhist
Type of Government: Absolute monarchy

Officially, the Christian faith does not exist and Christians are not allowed to pray or celebrate in public. Even house gatherings involving several families are forbidden by the government.

Religious workers are denied visas to enter Bhutan and the import of printed religious matter is restricted, with only Buddhist texts allowed in.

Society exerts strong pressure to comply with Buddhist norms. Harassment and pressure by Buddhist zealots occurs in certain areas.

Prayer

• Praise God that in July 2006 two imprisoned Bhutanese believers were released
• Pray for those in authority; pray for Buddhist clerics who pressurise and assault Christians
• Christian leaders need God's guidance and protection as they help Christians to stand firm.