New Laws Bring Change to ChurchesC (29.10.2002)
New arrests of Christians in Laos- (10.05.2002)
New Laws Bring Change to Churches
Worthynews.com (29.09.2002)/ HRWF (03.10.2002) C Website http://www.hrwf.net C Email: info@hrwf.net - In July, the Lao government passed laws that gave official recognition to the Lao Evangelical Churches. The new laws reflect a changing attitude and have both their positive and negative effects.
The obvious relief is that believers within the LEC can breathe easier, knowing that their church has been accepted by the government. The implication, however, is that every other Christian group is illegal.
The new laws allow more freedom for the existing churches to assemble and practice their faith among themselves. The down side is that the same laws restrict the outreach activities of spreading the gospel and bringing new believers into the church.
One observer said, "It seems that the new laws are intended to please the international community, but not to ensure the protection of followers of religious faiths."
Some observers believe that the LEC will become like the official Protestant church in China. If doctrinal restrictions are not imposed, this could give the LEC freedom to carry on its activities. Whether new churches will be able to be planted is another question still unanswered. Time will reveal the true intentions of these new laws.
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New arrests of Christians in Laos
Religion Today (10.05.2002)/ HRWF (16.05.2002) - Emailinfo@hrwf.net - Website http://www.hrwf.net Lao authorities have renewed their efforts to stamp out Christianity, according to local sources. Police officers continue to harass Christians and threaten to close down their churches. "Many Christians now are having difficulties getting together for prayer, fellowship, and Bible studies," reported Open Doors, USA in May.
In February, a pastor was arrested and detained for 10 days. He was charged with illegal repair of the church building. In March, two church leaders were arrested after a funeral service and charged with trying to revive Christianity. In April, 11 Christians were arrested at the border of Thailand and charged with possession of Bibles and Christian literature.
One Western observer says, "The problem with the Lao authorities is not the lack of laws but the lack of respect for their written laws." The U. S. Department of State expressed the same concern in the International Religious Freedom Report. "The Constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, the Government restricts this right in practice. Some government officials committed abuses of citizens' religious freedom." Lao authorities admit that they have jailed some Christians who tried to proselyte others. Church officials in Laos report there are about 45 who are serving their sentences in prisons around the country. More than 100 Christian churches remain closed by the order of the local authorities.
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