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In Laos, Communist authorities heavily monitor all religious activities, even those of registered churches. All gatherings must be reported to the administration, forcing house churches to operate secretly as they are deemed ‘illegal gatherings’. About 75 per cent of government-approved Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) congregations lack permanent structures and hold services in homes.
Converts to Christianity face severe rights violations. They are seen as outsiders to the Buddhist-animist community and face pressure and violence from their families and the local authorities. In rural areas, families often consist of three generations under one roof, intensifying the pressure. Local authorities and religious leaders may incite the community against converts, leading to their expulsion from their villages.
Throughout Laos, converts from Christianity (especially in places where there are very few Christians) suffer the most because they are thought to be traitors who have betrayed their families and communities. In parts of Laos, church leaders are often heavily targeted. Additionally, it seems that the highest pressure, including violent opposition, occurs against churches that are growing and evangelising.
Certain provinces in the country are particularly tough for Christians, especially in the north where the Hmong minority is concentrated. Central and southern provinces also pose significant risks. In these areas, local authorities and communities are determined to silence Christian witness.
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, 23, whose home was attacked and family expelled from their village in northern Laos.
Though Laos went down one ranking on the World Watch List, troubling violence 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, primarily from families, communities and local authorities.
Open Doors provides support through local partners in Laos who offer Bibles and Christian materials, leadership training, discipleship programmes and socio-economic development. They also give practical aid and advocate for those in need.
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.
