Evangelic Church

Was there ever a time when faith felt truly locked away? The Evangelic Church in Vientiane, Laos, knows this story intimately. This church, the largest Protestant church in Laos, has seen periods of both vibrant growth and enforced silence. The Lao Evangelical Church, or LEC, stands as a testament to the resilience of faith. It’s a story woven from the threads of various missionary efforts – Swedish Protestants, Swiss Brethren, and the Christian and Missionary Alliance, all converging in Laos. Imagine these early missionaries, arriving in a land dominated by Buddhism, planting the seeds of a new faith. In 1956, these disparate groups united, formally establishing the LEC. Just a few years later, in 1960, the Royal Lao Government granted the church official recognition. This was a time of promise. But the story takes a turn in 1975 with the change in government. Laos became a closed society. Religious freedom was restricted. For fifteen years, from 1975 to 1990, the Evangelic Church, along with other religious institutions, was cut off from the outside world. Imagine the quiet strength required to maintain faith during those years. Yet, the embers of belief remained glowing. When Laos opened its doors again in 1990, the Evangelic Church experienced a resurgence. Growth, especially among young people, has been remarkable. The church, headquartered in Nakham Village in Vientiane, now has three main churches in the capital: Nakham, Naxai, and Anou. These churches are led by the national leaders of the LEC, governing a community estimated at over 200,000 members. The Evangelic Church is self-governed, electing its own leaders. However, it must still report its activities to the Lao Front for National Construction, a reminder of the ongoing government oversight. Today, the Evangelic Church in Vientiane stands as a symbol of perseverance. It is a place where faith, once locked away, now flourishes openly.