[img]https://www.sermonindex.net/images/forum/2004/may/featured_news.gif[/img]



Laotian Christians face increasing pressure

Reports are coming to light about Christians in Laos, especially members of ethnic minorities who have been forced to renounce their faith or face severe consequences.
Officials detained 12 ethnic minority Christians in recent weeks for refusing to renounce their religious beliefs, the Paris-based Lao Movement for Human Rights reported.

In March, district officials in Luang Prabang province ordered 35 Christian families to renounce their faith, Christian Freedom International reported. When they refused, officials moved in with their families and threatened to stay until they complied with the demand.
Just a month earlier, officials in Attapeu province issued an ultimatum to local Christians to recant, leave the village or face death, reported Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Although the constitution of Laos guarantees religious freedom, central government officials have argued that the lack of specific regulations on religious matters means that the central government has limited capacity to enforce the constitutional guarantees. This allows local officials to interpret and implement the constitutional provision as they choose.

From the news flow at Intercessors Network

_________________
Lars Widerberg