PRAY FOR BHUTAN
– That those who have lost family will have all their needs met.
– That Christians will have fresh revelations of Jesus.
– That God will refresh and revitalise discouraged.
"I found life and hope in Jesus. All the time I have in this world I want to use it for His kingdom."
– Meena is a young Christian who faces pressure from her local community because of her faith in Jesus
Country
Profile
- Region
- Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Religious Nationalism
- Population
- 788,000
- Christian population
- 18,800
- Religions
- Buddhism
- Leader
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
- Score
- 66
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Bhutanese citizens are expected to follow Buddhism. Converts to Christianity can be exposed to harsh treatment from their family and local community in attempts to pressure them into renouncing their faith.
No churches have official state recognition, meaning that any Christians holding a service together are worshipping illegally. Local authorities often refuse to issue Christians with the certification needed for things such as employment and registering property.
What Has Changed This Year?
Despite the claim before the UN Human Rights Council in September 2019 that religious organisations do not need to be registered in order to practice, Christians have still not been officially recognised in the country. Christian groups are able to meet, but have to do so without raising any attention. Converts continue to be frequently ostracised by family and society.
