Bhutan
Leader: King Jigme Wangchuck
Population: 658,000 (2% Christian)
Main Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
Government: Monarchy
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In 2008 the first-ever parliamentary elections were held, a new king was crowned and a new constitution guaranteeing more religious liberty was implemented. But Christianity still does not officially exist. Persecution comes mainly from the family, the community and Buddhist monks, who have significant influence. Believers meet in secret. They face discrimination in education and employment. Building churches is banned.
Pray
- That the small community of Bhutanese Christians will receive much-needed training and teaching despite the restrictions
- That the ban on visas for religious workers will be lifted
- That Christian children will find a living faith as they face discrimination and constant pressure to attend Buddhist religious festivals.
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Christianity in Bhutan
Christians are 65,000 in Bhutan. [1] Christian faith officially does not exist in Bhutan. [2] Non-Buddhist religion is prohibited. [3] There is a relatively large Christian population in Southern Bhutan. [4] Gospel for Asia broadcasts in five languages reaching Bhutan. [5] There are more Protestants than Catholics in Bhutan. [6] There are thought to be about 200 Catholics in the country. [7] Territorially, Roman Catholics in Bhutan belong to Diocese of Darjeeling in India. [8] Christian house gatherings involving several families are forbidden. [9] Children of Christians are not eligible for free education. [10] Christians are asked either to leave their religion or leave the country. [11] Christians of all denominations are subject to persecution. [12] There is one single church in Bhutan. [13] Christians cannot build churches. [14] It occurs that Christians are expelled from the country or lose their citizenship. [15] Conversion from Buddhism to other religions is prohibited. [16] According to the U. S. State Department's 2007 Report on International Religious Freedom no forced religious conversion has been known. [17] Bhutanese Christians Services Centre is an NGO informing on persecution of Christians in Bhutan. [18]
[edit] References
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