September 8-9 | Bhutan – In some of Bhutan’s provinces, neighbors do not welcome the presence of Christians, especially when they gather for worship and fellowship.
BHUTAN – located on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, is landlocked between the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to the west and south…. The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains crisscrossed by a network of swift rivers, which form deep valleys before draining into the Indian plains.
RELIGION – It is estimated that between two-thirds and three-quarters of the Bhutanese population follow Vajrayana Buddhism, which is also the state religion. About one-quarter to one-third are followers of Hinduism. Other religions account for less than 1% of the population.[69] The current legal framework, in principle guarantees freedom of religion; proselytism, however, is forbidden by a royal government decision[69] and by judicial interpretation of the Constitution.[70]
Wikipedia makes no mention of Christianity. However, OPEN DOORS indicates that there are approx 16,500 believers meeting primarily in homes –
As the country moves from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, the situation is likely to change for believers. The church in Bhutan is no longer an underground church, since Christians are allowed to meet in private homes without any interference from the authorities. However, Christians in remote villages encounter more difficulties. The government is exploring possibilities for church registration, but is also concerned to prevent evangelism and is considering an amendment to the penal code aimed at prohibiting ‘conversion by coercion or inducement’.
Pray that God will provide opportunities for believers in Bhutan to practice their faith without antagonizing their community. Pray that they will gain the good will and favor of their neighbors.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
The Peanut Gallery 