The Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) is the largest registered Christian church in Laos. It is believed that the church has around 120,000 members (2% of the population) and 200 ordained Pastors. The LEC is headquartered in Nakham Village, in Vientiane Capital. There are three main churches in Vientiane capital, Nakham, Naxai and Anou church. These three churches are headed by the national leaders of the LEC. As of 2009 there have been no foreigners that have been allowed to become members of the LEC. History Regarding the History of the LEC, the church itself has not provided any kind of official history. However this information has been gathered based on other organizations that have worked with in Laos or have worked with the LEC. The Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) grew out of the work of Swedish Protestant (1890), Swiss Brethren (1902) and Christian and Missionary Alliance missionaries (1928). The missionaries who worked in three different parts of the country came together and adopted a constitution to establish the LEC in 1956. The newly formed church was granted corporate status by the Royal Lao Government in 1960. The change of government in 1975 affected the church negatively. Between 1975 and 1990, the church did not have any contacts with the outside world as the country remained a closed-door society where religious freedom was restricted. Since the country opened up in 1990, the membership of the LEC has been growing. The LEC recently started a Bible school training programme at its headquarters in the state capital Vientiane. Until now most of the pastors were trained in neighboring countries. Since 1975, no expatriate missionaries have been permitted to work within Laos. Although public evangelical activities are not encouraged by the socialist government, the churches in the capital city, towns and rural areas are experiencing considerable growth, especially with increasing youth membership. Leadership The LEC picks its own leadership and it is self-governed. The LEC is ruled by The LEC Committee which is headed by the President of the LEC, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and a Treasurer. Although the LEC is self-governed it still must report activities to the Lao Front of National Construction of the Lao Government, per Decree #92. Vientiane Capital Main Churches The three churches of the LEC in Vientiane are Nakham Church Naxai Church Anou Church Foreigners Foreigners are welcome to attend the three main church services in the Vientiane Capital.