Christianity in the Socialist Kingdom on the Mekong: The Church and Theology of Laos

Christianity and theology in Laos have their own unique specificity: they have developed as a minority religion in the context of Buddhism and animism, under constant state supervision and the experience of persecution. The identity of the Church is influenced by both the legacy of the ancient monarchical Buddhist tradition and contemporary socialism, which closes the state to the world and deepens the poverty of society. The Catholic and Protestant Churches build structures based on the testimony of martyrs, inculturation, dialogue and pastoral care for the poor. The main theological trends are the theology of martyrdom, inculturation and social involvement. Local clergy play a key role. Translations of liturgy and Holy Scripture and education of lay people support the development of local theology.