In the distant and isolated nation of Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas, known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” almost everything looks uniformly Buddhist. There are no visible signs of Christians’ tiny presence but they do exist.
Christians, whose only official identity falls in the “others” category in the census, are estimated to range in number between 3,000 and 6,000. They live out their Christian lives underground; no church buildings, Christian cemeteries or Christian bookstores are yet allowed.
An absolute monarchy for more than 100 years, Bhutan became a democratic constitutional monarchy in March 2008, as per the wish of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Asked what would happen if authorities found out about his underground church, a pastor who requested anonymity said before 2008, church members would have been arrested because Christianity was banned.
“Even now, there will be serious repercussions,” he said. “What exactly will happen, I do not know. But no Christian worker will take the risk to find it out the hard way.” (CD)
Share with others: