Cambodia Holds Christian Prayer Day, Emphasizing Interfaith Harmony and Social Contribution

On July 1, 2026, Cambodia held its "Christian Prayer Day 2026" at the Koh Pich Convention Center in Phnom Penh. The event was presided over by Dr. Chai Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion, with approximately 2,000 participants including esteemed leaders, officials from the Ministry of Cults and Religion, distinguished businessmen (Lok Oknha, Oknha), reverend elders, elders, pastors, church leaders, and Christian followers, as well as national and international guests. During the occasion, Minister Chai Borin highly commended the organizing committee for creating a valuable opportunity for Christians to interact, strengthen solidarity, and contribute to national harmony and religious unity in Cambodia. He emphasized that the "Christian Prayer Day 2026" is not only a gathering to offer thanks to Jesus Christ but also a day for Christians nationwide to pray for the nation's well-being and actively participate in socio-economic development, maintaining national and religious harmony. He noted the diligent efforts of former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in building and preserving peace and stability, and the continued commitment of the 7th National Assembly's government under the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in protecting, strengthening, and developing these achievements. The Minister also highlighted the progress of Christianity in Cambodia and its contribution to enhancing religious harmony by preventing and eradicating negative acts in society, aiming to ensure comprehensive physical and mental peace, stability, and security for national socio-economic development. Furthermore, Minister Chai Borin expressed full support for the Cambodian government's actions in utilizing the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), following Thailand's withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding. He stated this mechanism serves as the sole legal basis for bilateral negotiations to find a peaceful resolution to overlapping maritime claims between the two countries, representing a legal, benevolent, and highly responsible step to continue seeking a peaceful and just solution internationally after the bilateral framework for peaceful resolution has been exhausted. Minister Chai Borin offered further recommendations: 1. Leaders and all Christians must cooperate, be united, and maintain internal unity within the Christian community, fostering good relations with other religious communities nationally and internationally based on the principle of religious harmony. 2. A clear leadership structure or representation for the Christian faith in the Kingdom of Cambodia must be established in cooperation with the Ministry of Cults and Religion. 3. Expand social activities widely through humanitarian efforts, education, development, and various religious activities, adhering to the true principles of faith and the name of Jesus Christ. The event served as a platform to showcase the growth of Christianity in Cambodia and its role in contributing to the nation's continuous socio-economic progress.