Believers in Laos face violence, harassment, and expulsion for following Jesus.
bottom“In my village they accepted us as Christians, but when we asked about sharing the gospel, it became a different matter. It is not allowed.”
– Arlee*
*Name changed for security purposes
Christians in Laos face intense persecution against the backdrop of authoritarian communist rule and strongly held ethnic traditions. The Lao government recognises three churches: one Evangelical group, Catholics, and Seventh-day Adventists. Other Christian groups must operate unofficially. Even among approved groups, an estimated 75% of congregations lack permanent buildings, and baptisms cannot be held publicly, especially in rural areas. Consequently, many Christians are forced to meet in “illegal’ house churches.
Authorities regard Christianity as a Western religion opposed to communist ideals. Laos’ growing dependence on China has reinforced its commitment to communism, adding to the vulnerability of Christians. In rural areas, traditional practices—generally a mixture of Buddhism and folk religions—often supersede national laws. Christians face surveillance, discrimination, and violence from communities, village leaders, and families. In many cases, believers are deemed to have “upset the spirits”. Persecutors respond by destroying their crops and expelling them from the village. Obstruction to burying loved ones in local cemeteries is a common problem for Christians, adding to their grief.
Converts can be especially susceptible to hostility. 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 are frequent targets for persecution and can be imprisoned, fined, killed, destabilising families and churches. Hotspots for persecution tend to be in rural areas.
– That God protects Christians who secretly attend unauthorised house churches.
– That God will help believers expelled from their home and community to find shelter and comfort in and through Him.
– That God softens the hearts of the communist leaders in Laos to allow Christians the freedom to follow Jesus.
Open Doors’ partners support the persecuted church in Laos through initiatives including leadership training, discipleship programmes, and literature provision.
