Khmer
or Cambodian Christians are existed in many parts of the world. I
would categorize them into two groups, the "national
Cambodian Christian" and the "expatriate Cambodian
Christian". Some would called, " the national Khmer
Christian" and the "the international Khmer
Christian".
The historical roots of the present situation
can be traced back to the period right after the reign of
the Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979). In 1979 many Cambodians
fled the country for their lives, seeking stability and peace.
The refugee camps in Thailand became their home for many
years. Along with the UNHCR,
some Christian NGOs and missionaries were servicing refugee of
many various needs. Many Cambodians became Christians at that
time (Learn
more about the border camps).
Some Cambodian Christians were repatriated to
a third country, where they could form their churches or joint
existed denominations. Those who stay, have returned to
Cambodia during the peace plan of the United Nations Transitional
Authority In Cambodia( UNTAC,
1992-93). In
Cambodia, during the peace settlement led by the UN (UNTAC),
the Cambodian government guarantees religious freedom in the
Cambodian Constitution. Cambodian Christians have the right to
exercise their faith as other religious groups do in the country.
The Cambodian Church now exists in various part parts of
the United Sates, Canada, Australia, France, New Zealand, and
Japan).
In Cambodia,
during the peace settlement led by the UN (UNTAC),
the Cambodian government guarantees religious freedom in the
Cambodian Constitution. Cambodian Christians have the right to
exercise their faith as other religious groups do in the
country.
There are an estimated 100
Christian organizations or denominations that operate freely
throughout the country and include approximately 2,400 churches
(US
Department of State, report 2005).
The FEBC
and EFC reported that there
approximately 700,000 Christians in the country. This told is not
counting children. Some would estimated as high as one million
Christians.
By: Amra Phou and staff