Cultural Congruency and Covenantal Pluralism in the Lao PDR. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bailey, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Review of faith & international affairs. Volume 19:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 104
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: peace building -- religious freedom -- communism -- hierarchy -- religion -- inter-faith -- Buddhism; Law -- Periodicals; Religion and politics -- Periodicals; Law; Religion and politics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 201.705
• DOI: 10.1080/15570274.2021.1954396
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-0274

Abstract

Abstract : Laos has a poor track record on human rights but surprisingly there has been slow but significant progress on religious freedom over the last decade. This progress has been inspired by Lao religious leaders who are drawing on religious virtues to inspire more benevolent leadership. This religiously inspired vision has produced as a counter narrative to the worst aspects of the historical and cultural dominance of the ethnic Lao over ethnic and religious minority groups. Leaders who draw on the moral power of religion will be key to the emergence of covenantal pluralism in Laos.