Restrictions of Christians in Bhutan

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Restrictions of Christians in Bhutan

Posted by Justin Long ⋅ July 2, 2006 ⋅

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The 65,000 Christians have only one official church. Christians in the state administration or in private companies must sign the so-called “Norms and Rules for Religious Practice,” which places restrictions on a Christian’s religious life and social position. Christians are not to receive medical assistance from the state and are not eligible for job promotion. Their children must pay high tuition fees, whereas Buddhist and Hindu children enjoy free education. Mission work and travel abroad are strictly forbidden to all Christians. Whoever refuses to sign this restrictive document is forced to leave Bhutan. In addition to all this discrimination, many Christians have been forcefully driven from their villages by their own Buddhist neighbors. That is the reason Rev. Fr. Kinley, the cousin of the present King of Bhutan H.M. Jigme Singe Wangchuk had to leave his country after becoming a Christian (Pakistan Christian Post).