In recent weeks, Dorji Tshering, Secretary of the “Chhoedey Lhentshog”, the Commission for religious affairs in Bhutan, declared that the Commission had placed on its agenda the subject of the recognition of the Christian communities which would enable the tiny community in Bhutan (1% of the population) the right to practise publically and to build churches.
Faced with this opportunity many religious in areas close to the Kingdom have expressed their interest. Interviewed by the Fides Agency, Archbishop Menamparampil confirmed that he was “closely following developments in Bhutan”. His diocese of Guwahati, in the State of Assam, North East India borders the country, “which we have always looked at very attentively. With all our heart we would like to help the people of Bhutan” he said.
There are still many difficulties: legally there is freedom of religion but proselytism, is forbidden by a royal government decision. Only one Jesuit priest the Canadian Kinley Tshering, related to the royal family, is authorised to visit the country periodically and officially to celebrate Mass in his house on his birthday 24 December.
Buddhism is the state religion and according to the Constitution constitutes the “spiritual inheritance of Bhutan”. Dorji Tshering recently declared that “the purpose of the Law concerning Religious Organisations in Bhutan is to protect and preserve the spiritual inheritance of Bhutan”: an increase in Christianity would be considered a threat to the identity of the nation, which the Law could not permit.
Nevertheless the Hindus, who represent 22% of the population are already represented by the Hindu Dharma Samudaya, and it is possible the same could apply to Christians. In any case, the Archbishop explains “there are already various groups of Christians of different denominations in Bhutan. The policy of having them officially registered could indicate a desire on the part of the authorities to regularise their activities.”
Archbishop Menamparampil, well-known for his negotiating ability which has brought peace in various conflicts in the State of Assam, could carry out a delicate diplomatic role also in this situation.
Published 09/02/2011
