Bhutan's King Steps Down Early

In a surprise political move, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk relinquished his royal throne to his son, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, sparking hope that freedom of religion will finally come to this tiny Himalayan nation. King Wangchuck was scheduled to turn over the reins of the nearly 100-year-old monarchy to his son in 2008. The transfer of power was to occur simultaneously with the country's first-ever democratic elections.

The king made the announcement in Bhutan on December 9, and to the rest of the world December 14. No date was announced for the official coronation of the crown prince.

Gospel for Asia president and founder, K.P. Yohannan, is hopeful that the change will lead to new religious freedom in Bhutan.

"For all practical purposes, Bhutan is a closed country, but this new king has a different perspective. Like his father, he is well-traveled, and received a portion of his education at Oxford University in England. We pray that the new king will bring a larger understanding of the world to Bhutan," Yohannan said.

The crown prince is taking the leadership role as the country stands on the precipice of major changes. The Wangchuk monarchy has ruled this small country of 2.3 million people for almost 100 years. King Wangchuk began transitioning the monarchy to a parliamentary democracy in 1998 when he willingly gave up absolute power. Since then, the king has ruled in conjunction with the government, an assembly and a royal council. However, none of these ruling bodies are elected by the people of Bhutan.

There are only about 3,000 Christians in this country which holds tightly to its Buddhist roots. It is illegal for a Buddhist to become a Christian and Christian church buildings are forbidden. Christians in Bhutan are only allowed to practice their faith at home. Those who openly choose to follow Christ can be expelled from Bhutan and stripped of their citizenship. In spite of the threat looming over their heads, GFA native missionaries are at work in Bhutan. The people are receptive to the Gospel and many have received Jesus as their Savior.

Gospel for Asia has a Bible college training additional native missionaries to work in the hostile spiritual climate of Bhutan. GFA Radio also broadcasts programs in five languages that reach Bhutan.

Yohannan asks for all Christians to pray for Bhutan. Specifically pray for the Christians inside Bhutan who are being persecuted. Also, pray that as the citizens make the transition to a democracy, that Bhutan would also become an open country, allowing its citizens to have complete freedom of religion.

"Our prayer is that Bhutan will become an open nation, as we have seen happen in Nepal," Yohannan said.