Search Religion News

Show summaries



Religion News
Israeli News

Top News Stories
U.S. Political News
Canadian News

Christian Magazines
Link To Us

Bible Resources
• Bible Study Aids
• Bible Devotionals
• Audio Sermons
Community
• ChristiansUnite Blogs
• Christian Forums
• Facebook Apps
Web Search
• Christian Family Sites
• Top Christian Sites
• Christian RSS Feeds
Family Life
• Christian Finance
• ChristiansUnite KIDS
Shop
• Christian Magazines
• Christian Book Store
Read
• Christian News
• Christian Columns
• Christian Song Lyrics
• Christian Mailing Lists
Connect
• Christian Singles
• Christian Classifieds
Graphics
• Free Christian Clipart
• Christian Wallpaper
Fun Stuff
• Clean Christian Jokes
• Bible Trivia Quiz
• Online Video Games
• Bible Crosswords
Webmasters
• Christian Guestbooks
• Banner Exchange
• Dynamic Content
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter.
Enter your email address:

Religion News
 You're here » News Main Index » Religion News
Religion News
Printer friendly version
Email page to a friend
Link to this story

Bhutanese government may legalise Christianity

by Staff
February 11, 2011
Like This Page?

(christiansunite.com) - In the South Asian country of Bhutan, government officials recognise only Buddhism and Hinduism as the country's two religions. As a result, only these two communities have the right to openly practise their beliefs and build places of worship. That may soon change as Chhoedey Lhentshog, the authority that regulates religious organizations, discussed at its December meeting how a Christian organization can be registered to represent its community, according to agency secretary Dorji Tshering.

For the first time in Bhutan's history, the Buddhist nation's government seems ready to grant much-awaited official recognition and accompanying rights to a miniscule Christian population that has remained largely underground.

Asked if Christians were likely to enjoy the same rights soon, Tshering replied, "Absolutely." This is a shift in policy given that Bhutan's National Assembly banned open practice of non-Buddhist and non-Hindu religions in resolutions passed in 1969 and 1979, respectively. According to a Christianity Today source who requested anonymity, the government is likely to register only one Christian organization, and would expect it to represent all Christians in Bhutan--which would call for Christian unity in the country.

Sources indicate that the government's willingness to recognize Christians is partly aimed at bringing the community under religious regulation. In October, a Bhutanese Christian was sentenced to three years in prison for "attempting to promote civil unrest" by screening films on Christianity.

Thank the Lord that movement forward is being made. Pray for our fellow Bhutanese brothers and sisters and their efforts to share Jesus Christ with those around them. Pray that God will move among the authorities and open hearts to hearing His name and the words of His people.

For more information about the treatment of Bhutanese Christians, visit www.persecution.net/bhutan.htm.

Discuss this article in the ChristiansUnite Discussion Forums

Back to Religion News Headlines.




More From ChristiansUnite...    About Us | Privacy Policy | | ChristiansUnite.com Site Map | Statement of Beliefs



Copyright © 1999-2019 ChristiansUnite.com. All rights reserved.
Please send your questions, comments, or bug reports to the

NOTE: News and information presented on this web site is for informational purposes only. ChristiansUnite.com does not necessarily endorse the views and opinions expressed.