How are Christians persecuted in Laos?
- The Communist authorities heavily monitor all religious activities, even those of registered churches. All gatherings must be reported, forcing house churches to operate secretly as they are deemed ‘illegal gatherings’.
- Converts to Christianity face severe challenges and this can include divorce, separation from children and beatings, and the local authorities and religious leaders even incite whole communities against them, leading to their expulsion from their villages.
“He kept most of the burdens to himself because he wanted to protect us. He sacrificed himself to protect his family.”
Sengdela, wife of a Lao pastor who was killed
Why are Christians persecuted in Laos?
- Christianity is deemed by the authorities to be a Western threat to their power.
- Converts are seen as outsiders to the Buddhist-animist community and face pressure and violence from their families and local authorities.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Laos?
- Whilst believers from all backgrounds and traditions can face hostility, converts suffer the most because of how closely religion is intertwined with culture and tradition.
- In parts of Laos, church leaders (who are mostly male) are often heavily targeted and can face imprisonment and physical attack, even death, and churches that are growing and evangelising are particularly vulnerable to hostility.
- Certain provinces in the country are particularly tough for Christians, especially in the north where the Hmong minority is concentrated.
What has changed in Laos in the past year?
“Please pray for us that one day we can return home; life is very tough for us, if God wills for us to live here, our conditions would need to improve.”
Huang*
- Despite dropping one place on the World Watch List, troubling violence has continued to impact believers.
- The pressure on Christians from local state authorities and the intense pressure on converts from family, friends, neighbours and local authorities have not eased.
- In areas where the church is growing, especially in rural regions, pressure and violence are almost certain to follow.
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 provides support through local partners in Laos who offer Bibles and Christian materials, leadership training, discipleship programs and socio-economic development. They also give practical aid and advocate for those in need.
*Name changed for security reasons
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters in tribal areas who have lost their homes and been expelled from their villages for their faith. Please guide them to safe places where they can live and worship You freely. We also pray for the families of pastors and church leaders who have been killed; may Your healing touch mend their broken hearts. Lord, protect all Christians who are monitored by the authorities, and grant them courage and peace as they gather in Your name. Amen.
