Six Christians in Khammouane Province, central Laos, have been released after a month’s imprisonment, Barnabas Aid contacts have confirmed.
The six believers – Pastor Mum and five other church members – were arrested on June 22 at a prayer meeting outside Tahae village and held until July 25.
“The authorities have warned them,” reported our contact, “and said to do only low-key Christian ministry or they will have problems again.”
The town square in Thakhek, capital of Khammouane Province [Image credit: Tango 7174]
There has been an active Christian community of up to 20 people in Tahae village for several years.
The six Christians were arrested at the request of the village chief, who had ordered them not to carry on worshipping at the pastor’s home or anywhere else in the village.
In response the Christians began meeting in a rice field outside the village, but were arrested when they began to construct a small church building.
While in prison Pastor Mum was held separately from the other Christians, and had his hands and feet chained.
The national and regional authorities in Laos do not appear to be responsible for the arrests. A “Law on the Evangelical Church,” in force since December 2019, gives Christians in Laos the right to conduct services, preach throughout Laos, and maintain contacts with believers in other countries, but this law is not well enforced in rural areas.
Give thanks for the release of the six Christians. Pray that the Christian community of Tahae village will be protected from further persecution and permitted to worship freely in accordance with the law.
