Under Tremendous Pressure

Those who convert to Christianity are viewed with great suspicion. Christian converts experience social ostracism and persecution. They are often denied jobs and their children are excluded from schools. Some Christians have lost their civil rights for reasons of faith because their identity documents are not renewed. They also face short prison sentences.

Christians are not allowed to build churches. They can only meet in private homes and must not attract attention. Kumar*, for example, a pastor from our partner's network, has had to move his house church 15 times because the Buddhist landlords kept terminating his lease.

Bhutanese Christians are under tremendous pressure and are not allowed to speak publicly about their faith. Evangelism takes place only through personal relationships. Since everything must be done in secret, discipleship is a challenge. Christian literature is strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, the Bible has been translated into the Dzongkha language, imported, and already distributed to many Christians.

Despite these difficulties, the existence of underground churches is a glimmer of hope for the future of Christianity in Bhutan. There are an estimated 30,000 Christians in the country, representing about three percent of the population. Many have come to faith in Jesus through healings. Almost all are former Hindus. Only about 200 Christians come from Buddhism.

The recognition of Christianity as a religion in Bhutan could only be achieved through a constitutional amendment. To do this, a member of parliament would have to submit a corresponding motion, and parliament and the king would have to approve it. But which member of parliament would have the courage to submit such a motion?

Are the evangelists and church planters we support afraid? “Yes, sometimes,” they reply. “The situation is bad. But we will continue.”

* Name changed