The Current State of Christianity in Cambodia

Christianity has been present in Cambodia for a long time, but it has not grown significantly. During the Pol Pot regime (1975-1979), many Christians were persecuted and killed, forcing others to flee the country. This greatly weakened the Christian presence, leaving very few churches and an oppressed Christian community. Due to the country’s history of conflict, the moral fabric of its people has been significantly affected. The early Christian missions, which focused on economic and material support, often gave the impression that Christianity was a means to gain material wealth, making genuine evangelism challenging.

Building a strong church community in Cambodia requires dedicated and righteous individuals. Early missions, including those by the Roman Catholic Church from as early as 1957, faced immense challenges due to the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and the reverence for ancestral and Buddhist practices among the Cambodian people. Buddhism’s stronghold in the country made it difficult for the Khmer people to embrace Christianity, as their identity is closely tied to their Buddhist faith and cultural practices.

In recent times, materialism has further complicated the religious landscape. Many Cambodians are more focused on material gains than spiritual beliefs. This makes it hard for any religion, including Christianity, to take deep root. The cultural openness and acceptance of multiple religions in Cambodia contrast sharply with the resistance to new religious practices seen in places like India among certain ethnic groups.

While there are no significant legal barriers to evangelism in Cambodia, the task remains challenging due to these historical and cultural complexities. Nonetheless, the persistence of Christian missionaries is beginning to show fruit, although the path remains fraught with difficulties.

There are many churches in Cambodia, but very few are well-established. Among these, there are Presbyterian churches, but many people are not familiar with Presbyterian traditions. There are several pastors, yet due to the small size of the congregations, these pastors often have other jobs and cannot dedicate themselves fully to their pastoral duties. Those who are more experienced have often received training abroad and established schools and small businesses to support their churches. However, the lack of enrolled members makes it challenging to build strong and lasting church communities.

Many churches operate independently and name themselves as they wish. For example, Pastor Thavy’s church, previously known as the Church of Christ, merged with Calvary Church in 2023. Upon requesting a new name, I suggested “Calvary Church of Christ,” which they adopted. The primary purpose of these gatherings is to establish the church. Weddings and funerals are often held in accordance with both Christian and cultural traditions. The way these events are conducted is inspired by Rev. Sairengpuia Sailo’s legacy.

A significant challenge for the spread of Christianity is the reluctance of the Khmer people to accept new religious practices. Unlike the Mizo people who are more open to Christianity, the Khmer are more reserved. Despite these difficulties, missionaries continue to share the Gospel, and the number of Christians in Mizoram has grown significantly over time. Khmer Christians are eager to learn and often interpret the Word of God through the lens of the prosperity gospel. They seek to deepen their understanding of theology, particularly the Theology of Suffering. Moreover, they require strong leadership.

The Synod’s ministry continues to work diligently, but there is still a great need for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and support in these efforts.

Challenges Faced by Christians in Cambodia

1. Misleading Teachings

In Cambodia, several sects including Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses have entered from America, as well as groups from Korea and China. These groups often lead the Khmer people astray with incorrect teachings, causing confusion and making evangelism challenging.

2. Prosperity Gospel

The prosperity gospel is highly influential among Cambodian Christians. Many converts are drawn to Christianity with the expectation of material blessings, earning them the nickname “Rice Christians.” Genuine believers exist, but many attend church only when they receive food, gifts, or money. For instance, in Siem Reap’s Pondro village, some people don’t attend church unless they are given incentives like rice etc even if we provide transportation. This phenomenon is common among different mission groups, leading to a transient and unstable Christian community. As one missionary stated, “In my 14 years of ministry in Cambodia, I have not seen a single well-established, genuinely faith-driven church. The emphasis on material benefits over true faith is pervasive.” This highlights the need for authentic teachings that can nurture a lasting and sincere Christian community.

3. Economic Challenges

Most Christians in Cambodia are economically disadvantaged. Churches struggle financially and cannot support their pastors adequately, forcing them to seek additional employment. Due to these economic hardships, some believers look abroad for better opportunities. If successful, this could lead to increased resources for ministry. However, most churches are not yet well-structured to support such a system. A missionary remarked, “Evangelizing in Cambodia is very challenging. The misuse of funds and the emphasis on material gains hinder the growth of strong churches.”