Christian Families Face Pressure, Threats Over House Church Ban

Thirteen Christian families in southern Laos are under investigation and facing intense pressure from village authorities after establishing a house church and attempting to hold a Christian burial within their community.

Tensions began rising in November 2024, when the village officers summoned all local Christian families to the community hall. “You Christians are not allowed to use the community’s resources and will be expelled from this village if you don’t recant,” the village chief reportedly warned. Authorities pressured the families to renounce their faith and stop religious activities.

The conflict escalated after the families began holding worship services in the village. Previously, they had travelled long distances to worship in other areas. As the number of believers grew, they decided to gather in the community, which sparked opposition among villagers who viewed the house church as disruptive.

Following the meeting, the pressure on believers intensified. The families appealed to provincial church leaders for help and intervention, hoping for a peaceful resolution. Despite continued warnings from local villagers, the believers have remained steadfast in their faith and continue to worship together. “Praise the Lord, they are willing to face persecution for His name,” our local partner shared.

In related case in the same province, Ms. Chan*, a Christian widow, was denied access to the village cemetery after her husband passed away on November 23, 2024. The village chief prohibited the burial, forcing her to seek an alternative site outside the community.

Chan traveled to a district cemetery, where officials insisted that her husband’s body be cremated in accordance with Buddhist customs. With no other option and feeling immense pressure, she had no choice but to comply.

She paid 1.6 million Lao Kip (about $80 USD) for the cremation service. Upon her return, the village chief demanded she pay a penalty for taking the body out of the community, claiming it violated local traditions. Chan refused.

Following her refusal, village elders threatened to destroy her home and property unless she complied. Fearing for her safety, Ms. Chan reached out to local leaders for protection and a peaceful resolution.