Release International

Provincial officials have weighed into the row over 48 Christians expelled from their village in Saravan by saying they have the right to worship freely and live where they please.

The official delegation, led by the provincial governor, visited the Christians from Katin and read out a 2002 decree assuring them of their right to practise Christianity. The Christians were also told they could live anywhere in their district, which is Ta-Oyl. The provincial governor invited the Christians to contact him if they needed any further help.

The Christian families are now living in temporary shelters on the edge of the jungle about four miles from Katin village, from where they were expelled at gunpoint on January 18 (Prayer Alert, February 16, 2010).

The delegation's visit on March 18 has thrown the Christians into something of a quandary. Only three days earlier, the Ta-Oyl district head, known as Bounma, told them they must either recant their faith or move out of the district. Sources have since told the Christians that local officials are planning to burn down their temporary shelters.

Provincial officials said they would have to 'consult with the proper authorities' before granting the Christians permission to remain where they are, which is on land owned by a neighbouring village. Official permission is also required for any Lao citizen wanting to move to another district.

The Christians were forced to leave behind all their possessions when they were marched out of the village in January. Some of their homes have already been destroyed.

(Sources: Compass Direct, Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom, VOM USA)

• Thank God that provincial officials have intervened in the case of the long-suffering Katin Christians. Pray that officials will indeed uphold religious rights.
• Ask God to strengthen the Katin Christians with His power and His peace.

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