In July, the Lao government passed laws that gave official
recognition to the Lao Evangelical Churches. The new laws reflect a changing
attitude and have both their positive and negative effects.
The obvious relief is that believers within the LEC can breathe easier, knowing
that their church has been accepted by the government. The implication,
however, is that every other Christian group is illegal.
The new laws allow more freedom for the existing churches to assemble and
practice their faith among themselves. The down side is that the same laws
restrict the outreach activities of spreading the gospel and bringing new
believers into the church.
One observer said, "It seems that the new laws are intended to please the
international community, but not to ensure the protection of followers of
religious faiths."
Some observers believe that the LEC will become like the official Protestant
church in China. If doctrinal restrictions are not imposed, this could give the
LEC freedom to carry on its activities. Whether new churches will be able to be
planted is another question still unanswered. Time will reveal the true
intentions of these new laws.