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). 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