Comoros

Comoros suffers from high poverty rates and a history of internal conflict. The greatest concern, however, is a severe lack of Gospel witness. According to a constitutional referendum in 2009, Comoros is an Islamic state. The constitution also dictates that all public policies must be based on Islamic beliefs. While there are some legal provisions for religious freedom, proselytization to any religion except Islam is illegal. Laws for the prosecution of converts are in place, but it is not clear what those penalties will be. The very few who do come to Christ face discrimination from the Muslim majority (98 percent) and are pressured not to practise their faith. Foreigners are generally free to practise their religion, but if they engage in any proselytization, they can legally be expelled from the country.

Disillusioned and feeling hopeless, many youth are turning to illicit drugs and sex. Some are choosing to leave the islands entirely. Christians who are watching developments in Comoros are hoping and praying that those who leave the country will find Christ and later return to share Him in their homeland. This will most certainly result in persecution, but the fact remains that the people of Comoros desperately need Christ.

Myanmar (Burma)

The Christian faith in Burma traces its roots to the missionary efforts of Adoniram Judson, who arrived to the country in 1813 with his wife Ann. The Judson Bible is still the standard translation used by churches. Most Christians are from the Chin and Karen tribal groups, with very few of the majority Burmese coming to faith. Many Bible schools exist throughout the country, and indigenous church planters and missionaries boldly proclaim the Gospel. The church is growing despite widespread persecution by the government and the Buddhist majority.

Life for Christians:

The widespread, long-running civil war directly affects Christians, especially when targeted for attack by the warring factions. Villagers with animistic beliefs take vengeance against Christians, due to their fear of angering local spirits. Church gatherings and buildings are allowed in most of the country, but tolerance varies from state to state. Within tribal groups, families oppose conversion and new believers are subject to close government monitoring. Recently, Buddhist monks have actively opposed new Christian converts and evangelists, resulting in the detainment of pastors and other church leaders for days at a time.

Myanmar (Burma)

The Christian faith in Burma traces its roots to the missionary efforts of Adoniram Judson, who arrived to the country in 1813 with his wife Ann. The Judson Bible is still the standard translation used by churches. Most Christians are from the Chin and Karen tribal groups, with very few of the majority Burmese coming to faith. Many Bible schools exist throughout the country, and indigenous church planters and missionaries boldly proclaim the Gospel. The church is growing despite widespread persecution by the government and the Buddhist majority.

Life for Christians:

The widespread, long-running civil war directly affects Christians, especially when targeted for attack by the warring factions. Villagers with animistic beliefs take vengeance against Christians, due to their fear of angering local spirits. Church gatherings and buildings are allowed in most of the country, but tolerance varies from state to state. Within tribal groups, families oppose conversion and new believers are subject to close government monitoring. Recently, Buddhist monks have actively opposed new Christian converts and evangelists, resulting in the detainment of pastors and other church leaders for days at a time.

Brunei

Brunei is one of the richest states in Asia, ruled by a royal family which goes back more than six centuries. The 1959 constitution called for five advisory councils to the monarch. Yet in 1962, the Sultan assumed emergency powers which have never been relinquished, resulting in an absolute monarchy.

Although Islam, the state religion, is being taught in schools, Christians make up 11 percent of the population. While the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it is illegal to evangelize and Muslims are not allowed to convert to another religion. The only registered churches date back to British colonial times; no new churches have been permitted. Bibles and Christian literature can be brought into the country for personal use only. Despite these restrictions, the number of Christians continues to increase.

China

Explosive growth has characterized the church for at least the past 30 years. About 100 million Christians live in China, but only 30 million are affiliated with the government-authorized Three-Self Patriotic Movement (the state church controlled by the Communist government). The remaining 70 million worship in unapproved house churches. Despite continual pressure and oppression, house church leaders refuse to compromise the Gospel. About 60 percent of the believers in China live in rural areas, and only a few house church leaders have formal theological training or access to Bible study materials.

Life for Christians:

Ten years ago, unregistered churches in China's "house church" movement enjoyed a measure of acceptance by the government. However, today things are much different. In February 2018, a new religious regulation led to increased governmental restrictions on unregistered churches. This has resulted in the forceful closure of hundreds of churches, the arrest or detainment of pastors and church members, and the prohibition of online sales of Bibles. If church leaders refuse to join the government-controlled church, false charges are filed against them. It is also illegal to teach religion to anyone younger than 18 years of age, even if those teaching them are their own parents.

Tibet (China)

Tibet lost its short-lived independence as a theocratic Buddhist state in 1950 when China re-invaded the land. China’s central government has systematically sought to destroy the culture, religions and ethnic identity of the Tibetan people. Resistance to the occupiers has resulted in frequent revolts and unrest. More than 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed, over one million people may have lost their lives and a further 100,000 may have been forced into exile, including the Buddhist and political leader of Tibetans, the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan Buddhism permeates society and has a powerful hold on the people. It incorporates many elements of the pre-Buddhist Bon religion, which still exists in its own right. Bon has powerful demonic and occult influences and spirit appeasement. The high places of the Tibetan plateau are known to be a spiritual stronghold highly resistant to the gospel. In Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), there are still 1,789 monasteries and 46,000 Buddhist monks.

It is uncertain how many Tibetan Christians there are worldwide. Christian materials in Tibetan languages and dialects are limited, but growing. Political sensitivity and tensions in Tibet make entry and travel in the country difficult for both Chinese and foreign Christians who desire to share the love of Jesus there.

To learn more about persecution in China, visit the China Country Report.