‘Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.’ Hebrews 4:13 

While there have been some improvements in the protection of freedom of religion or belief in Laos in recent years, these have been concentrated in urban areas and for groups which maintain working relationships with the authorities. 

The situation in rural areas is much more concerning. Religious minorities, particularly Catholic and Protestant Christians, continue to be subjected to arbitrary detention, forced eviction, confiscation of land and livestock, destruction of property, harassment, and discrimination by village chiefs, who operate semi- autonomously. Two Catholic priests had to wait over six months for permits to have their ordination service. 

Find out more at csw.org.uk/laos 

But even in a country that receives little attention in the news – and even in parts of that country where leaders think no-one is watching – God sees all. Justice will prevail. Laos 

Lord God, for Christians in Laos who feel unseen, unheard and at risk, we pray comfort and protection. 

For village leaders who feel they can violate human rights with impunity, we pray conviction and transformation. 

For those in government who may be oblivious to the situation in more remote parts of the country, we pray enlightenment and action. 

And finally, for those around the world who may be ignorant of the challenges Laos faces – everyone from tourists visiting the country to policy-makers working in international arenas – we pray awareness and understanding. 

Amen.

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