[Principal Peter] Living Side by Side

Just to clarify, these so-called "Buddha shrines" in Cambodian households and businesses are actually spirit houses, or  Pteah Preah Phumi, which are built for protective spirits and originated from Pre-Buddhist animist traditions. They are not meant for worship of the Buddha, but rather to provide a comfortable home for the local spirits who are believed to protect the property and bring good fortune to the inhabitants, provided they are shown proper respect. Offerings of food, flowers, and incense are made to appease these spirits. I know because I trip over the one in my hotel pretty much every day. You can go into the most grungy second-hand store and you’ll find one, dutifuly stocked with bowls of rice and refreshments. 

Living Side by Side: 

One of the most beautiful lessons I’ve learned while living and serving in Cambodia is this: Christianity and Buddhism can live peacefully, respectfully, and even joyfully together. In fact, not only can they coexist — they can enrich one another. Cambodia is a country where this harmony is visible every day, often in simple but powerful ways.

I’ve never felt anything except warmth and acceptance from my Buddhist neighbours. The people who run the hotel where I stay, the school families I meet, and the community leaders I interact with all share a deep respect for the beliefs of others. They honour their own traditions while showing genuine kindness toward followers of Christ. This natural spirit of hospitality is one of Cambodia’s quiet strengths, and it has allowed our school — a Christian international school — to flourish in a predominantly Buddhist culture.

This experience reflects a broader truth: Christianity and Buddhism are not enemies; they are neighbours. They share many values — compassion, peace, forgiveness, humility, and generosity — even though their beliefs differ. When these shared values are recognised and celebrated, communities grow stronger.

Walk down any street in Phnom Penh, Battambang, or Siem Reap and you’ll see it: monks passing Christian families with a nod of respect. A small Christian church standing not far from a pagoda. Local Khmer Buddhists helping Christian NGOs build wells, teach children, and care for the poor. Christian volunteers supporting Buddhist-run orphanages. Buddhist families sending their children to Christian schools because they value English education, discipline, and moral teaching.

In our own school community, parents often ask thoughtful questions about Christianity, not with suspicion but with curiosity. They appreciate that our school teaches good values, good discipline, and genuine kindness. We, in turn, admire the gentleness, patience, and family devotion of our Buddhist neighbours.

This is what peaceful coexistence looks like: two faiths, each confident but not hostile, sharing the same streets, markets, schools, and friendships.

Historical Examples of Christian–Buddhist Harmony

Though it may surprise some, history gives us many examples of Christianity and Buddhism living side by side in stability and mutual respect.

1. The Kingdom of Siam (Thailand)

From the 16th century onwards, Christian missionaries were welcomed at the royal court of Siam. Jesuit astronomers, doctors, and teachers lived peacefully among Buddhist communities, serving the monarchy and contributing to science and education. Despite differences in belief, Christians and Buddhists exchanged knowledge and maintained cordial relations.

2. The Japanese Diaspora in the West

Large Japanese Buddhist communities began settling in the United States, Canada, and Brazil during the 19th and 20th centuries. They built temples, established cultural centres, and practised their faith freely — all within predominantly Christian nations. Many Christians supported them, helped them integrate, and even partnered with them in community projects. Today, Buddhist temples are a normal part of American cities, sitting comfortably alongside churches.

3. The Christian Presence in Buddhist Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a Buddhist-majority country where Christian schools, hospitals, and community organisations have long thrived. Many of the top schools in Colombo (e.g., St. Thomas’, St. Joseph’s, Ladies’ College) are Christian institutions respected and attended by Buddhist families. The two faiths live and work together daily in education, healthcare, and business.

4. Christian and Buddhist Monastics Dialogue

Since the mid-20th century, Christian monks and Buddhist monks have engaged in dialogues, retreats, and exchanges — particularly in Europe and the U.S. The famous Trappist monk Thomas Merton formed deep friendships with Tibetan Buddhist monks and helped build bridges between East and West. Their interactions emphasised peace, contemplation, and a shared longing to understand the human heart.

Modern Examples of Peaceful Coexistence

Today, millions of Christians and Buddhists live together in peace around the world:

• South Korea hosts a significant Christian population alongside a strong Buddhist heritage. Churches and temples coexist, and many families contain members of both faiths.

• Singapore is home to thriving Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu communities, all living in remarkable harmony under a culture of mutual respect.

• Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S. have vibrant Buddhist communities that contribute to interfaith dialogue, charity, and social harmony.

• Taiwan has a Christian minority working alongside Buddhist charities such as Tzu Chi, cooperating in humanitarian missions at home and abroad.

These examples show that peaceful coexistence is not only possible — it is happening everywhere.

Why Christianity and Buddhism Fit Well Together

Although Christianity and Buddhism differ in theology, they share many virtues that make peaceful coexistence not only possible but natural:

1. Compassion

Both traditions place compassion at the heart of their practice — Christians following the teachings of Christ, Buddhists following the path of loving-kindness (metta).

2. Peace

Christianity calls believers to be peacemakers; Buddhism encourages inner peace and non-violence.

3. Humility

Both faiths value humility over pride, service over status.

4. Respect for Human Dignity

Both traditions emphasise treating others with kindness and honour.

These shared values create a strong foundation for mutual respect.

Cambodia: A Living Example

Cambodia stands out as one of the world’s most welcoming environments for Christian organisations. Churches operate freely, Christian schools are embraced, and faith-based NGOs work alongside Buddhist communities to improve healthcare, education, and social welfare. Foreign Christians are not treated as outsiders — they are treated as neighbours.

This environment allows us, as Christian educators, to not only teach but to serve, showing Christ’s love through our actions. In turn, we learn from our Buddhist friends: their patience, their gentleness, their devotion to family, and their deep cultural humility.

It is a relationship built not on argument or competition, but on shared humanity.

A Future of Peaceful Co-Operation

As Cambodia continues to grow, there is a great opportunity for Christian and Buddhist communities to work side by side for the good of the nation. Education, charity, healthcare, and youth development are all places where these two traditions can collaborate.

Our school is proud to be part of this story — a small but meaningful example of what interfaith harmony can look like.

#FaithAndFriendship

#ChristianBuddhistHarmony

#CambodiaCommunity

#LivingSideBySide

#PeaceInCambodia

#EducationForAll

#BuildingBridges

#ServingWithLove