“He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.”
(1 Samuel 2:8a ESV)
(Photo courtesy of a citizen journalist)
Christians in Laos are facing a new wave of persecution. According to eyewitness reports, local officials barged into a house church at Kaleum Vangke village during Sunday service on 5 February and demolished the building. They also burned Bibles and other literature and vandalized the place. Several Christian families from a neighbouring district were visiting the church to hold a joint service when the attack took place.
The church was apparently torn down to instil fear and to stop Christians from practising their faith. There were no injuries during the attack. Local believers have started repairing the church and plan to restart worship services.
A police complaint has been filed, but no action has been taken. This incident comes as anti-Christian attacks are on the increase. The attack took place in southern Laos despite a national law that guarantees the freedom to worship.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Security have warned the village authorities not to harass Christians, but local officials continue to threaten them and have vowed to demolish the church. “We’re not afraid to get together at that house anymore. The experience has made us stronger,” a local believer told Radio Free Asia (RFA).
In the past six months, local officials have been driving believers out of their villages, tearing down and burning their homes and rice silos, leaving families with no place to go. So far, the government has allowed this to continue without any charges being brought against the perpetrators.
Protestants and Catholics, as well as Buddhists, have reported asking for permission to build places of worship and being denied. Eventually, some resort to building without permission. But it is rare that a church built has been later demolished.
Kaleum Vangke village is not new to religious conflict. According to RFA, in March 2020, a pastor named Sithong Thipphavong was arrested at the village and ordered to renounce his faith. When he refused, he was charged and found guilty of causing a social disturbance and breaking village unity. He was jailed for a year and fined 4 million kip (about 200 USD). He was only freed in April 2021. In January of this year, prominent members of the village summoned six Christian families and warned them to stop following Jesus and holding Sunday services. The officials threatened to destroy the church if they failed to comply.
Since 2022, religious persecution, especially among ethnic minority groups, has increased dramatically. The government allows Christians to worship freely at the district and provincial levels, but local officials at the village level are against Christian worship and practices. Most Lao who believe in spirits say that the Christian faith is a western religion that is against their tradition and culture.
Home Group Prayer
Dear Lord,
We thank you for the country of Laos, and the people there who you have loved enough to give your Son for them. We lift up our brothers and sisters in Laos, especially those who have lost their churches and homes in Kaleum Vangke village and have suffered humiliation and great loss at the hands of the authorities.
We ask that you give them beauty for ashes, and a deep assurance of your presence at this time. Please help them resettle and find a safe place to meet and worship you together with their brothers and sisters. Please give them victory over fear and keep their heads lifted in the presence of those that inhibit their freedom.
We also ask that you bless their persecutors, and those in authority who have the power to restore the church. Please release forgiveness in the hearts of those who have been victimised by them, and please reveal yourself to them too.
Amen.