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As Myanmar enters the fifth year of an increasingly violent conflict, solutions – or even a ceasefire – are nowhere in sight. And the violence is having a devastating impact on the country’s Christian minority, who are among those bearing the brunt of the attacks.
Since the military coup in February 2021, Christians have encountered greater violence and tighter restrictions. Believers have been killed and churches have been indiscriminately attacked. This includes those in predominantly Christian states such as Chin, Kayah and Kachin, and in areas with significant Christian minorities, such as Sagaing Division, Yangon
Division and Irrawaddy Division. More Christians than ever have been driven out of their homes and have found refuge in churches or displacement camps. Some are even forced to flee to the jungle where they are often deprived of access to food and health care. Government forces have continued to disproportionately attack Christian villages and churches. They have also killed Christian aid workers and pastors, often in aerial attacks.
Beyond the conflict, converts to Christianity find themselves persecuted by their Buddhist, Muslim or tribal families and communities because they have left their former faith. Communities who aim to stay ‘Buddhist only’ make life impossible for Christian families. Non-traditional church groups experience opposition, too, especially those located in rural areas and those known for their evangelistic activities.
In the past year, Myanmar’s civil war has become entrenched in areas with a significant Christian presence, such as Chin State. But the widespread nature of conflict, and the threat facing converts in places where the Christian influence is less, means that persecution is a very real risk for our sisters and brothers in different parts of the country.
When dusk falls, we call everyone inside the house, we lock our doors and windows, light our lamps and candles, and stay as quiet as we can.
Myanmar has risen two places on this year's World Watch List, and now scores in the ‘extreme’ category of persecution. The military government in Myanmar conducted a nationwide census to prepare for elections in 2025, and enforced mandatory conscription under the People’s Military Service Law. This has led to many Christians leaving the country, particularly young people, creating a lack of youth in some Christian communities. Christians are targeted in many places, and there are many Christian IDPs and refugees. Because believers are scattered, churches cannot meet and pastors who depend on tithes for salaries cannot be paid. Many people – not just Christians – are struggling to make ends meet, with some even unable to afford food.
Working through local partners, Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, discipleship and leadership programmes, livelihood support, and youth, children and families ministries.
Heavenly Father, we lift the church in Myanmar to You. Thank You that You are the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); help Christians to be peacemakers even as they are caught between the military and the rebel groups. Protect vulnerable believers living in displacement camps – provide for their needs and heal their trauma. Please help believers who've converted from Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim backgrounds to learn more about You and meet with other Christians. May the church in Myanmar continue to be a light in the darkness, Amen.