On May 25, 2017, at the beautiful Koh Pich Theater on Diamond Island in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a historical gathering was held. Over 4000 devotees of varied Christian faiths, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were in attendance. All met for the 2nd Annual Christian Harmonization Conference, and to be addressed by His Excellency, Prime Minister Hun Sen. The purpose of his appearance and remarks was to make an official announcement to recognize all Christian churches in Cambodia who are followers of Jesus Christ.
“So, happy to be here with you this morning to show my respect and love for Christians,” said the Prime Minister. “This is progress that we have harmony in religion and provides religious freedom for all. While Buddhism is the religion of our government, it is the right for each person to choose how to believe.”
He continued, “Christians are responsible for tremendous contributions to our country and our people in all areas including: humanitarian, drought relief building schools, wells, food distribution and to make possible better education.”
The program was planned and organized by a number of Christian denomination leaders, including Vice President, Samnang Sea, Director of the Cambodia Association of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [pictured below] who serves as one of the leaders of the Christian Coalition.
- His Excellency Dr. Uong Vibol, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Cult & Religion (2nd from left) befriended leaders of the LDS Church: Samnang Sea, Director Cambodia Association of LDS Church, (far right) Elder Dowd, Public Affairs Missionary (2nd right) President James L. Christensen, Phnom Penh Cambodia Mission President (far left)
- All Christian Denominations Recognized
- 4000 Christians Gather for Historical Announcement
- Prime Minister H. E. Hun Sen Arrives at Koh Pich Theater
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Prime Minister’s remarks were very complimentary of the “good works” performed by the Christian community and extended respect and love and honor to all Christians expressing his desire for harmony in our homes and in our cities.
He told the large gathering that all Christians are significant and his blessing would be that all members and families have success in all they do. He also stated that he would meet each year with Ministry of Cult & Religion and the Christian Coalition.
In Cambodia, Christians number 90,000 which represents less than 1% of the population.