The recent earthquakes in Myanmar – in which thousands have died, and many more have been injured or displaced – comes on top of years of conflict and persecution that disproporionately affects Christians in Myanmar.
How are Christians persecuted in Myanmar?
- Christians in Myanmar continue to experience untold suffering because of persecution and conflict, with last year’s devastating earthquakes adding to the vulnerability of many believers.
- It’s now five years since the military coup that has deepened Myanmar’s long-running civil war and had a catastrophic impact on the whole country. Many Christians have been caught in the crossfire, particularly in ethnic minority areas, with believers killed, churches bombed and villages destroyed.
- Thousands have been displaced by the war, and March’s earthquake – which killed more than 3,600 people – has forced even more from their homes.
- Christians face everyday discrimination, such as trouble getting Christianity recognised on ID cards, denial of access to basic services like water, and forced participation in Buddhist rituals.
- Churches have difficulty registering with the authorities.
- Evangelistic activities are strongly opposed.
“One man’s family ridiculed him, and his own son physically assaulted him.”
Myint
- Converts can face additional hostility from their families and communities, who may view their faith as a betrayal of their heritage. Myint*, a church leader, remembers when he led one man to faith, ‘his family ridiculed him, and his own son physically assaulted him’.
Why are Christians persecuted in Myanmar?
- The vulnerability of Christians in Myanmar goes back years, rooted in the belief that to be Burmese is to be Buddhist – and that means other faiths are often seen as foreign and a threat to national unity.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Myanmar?
- Christians in Chin, Kachin, Shan, Sagaing and Kayah are particularly at risk amidst worsening violence, displacement and targeted attacks.
What has changed in Myanmar in the past year?
- Myanmar has dropped a place in this year’s World Watch List, but the suffering facing many Christians remains severe and multifaceted.
- The past year has seen conflict intensify across Myanmar, with Christians among those affected.
- Sagaing Region – which was hit by the earthquakes – saw Christian villages targeted.
- In the Christian majority Chin State, attacks on churches persist.
- Overall, Christians have faced worsening violence, displacement and systematic targeting, with the earthquakes deepening the suffering of many.
- In one of many tragic incidents, ten armed men stormed a parish in Kangyitaw, forcing Father Donald Martin to kneel. He refused, declaring he kneels only to God, and it cost him his life.
How can I help Christians in Myanmar?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors partners strengthen persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, persecution survival training, presence ministry and livelihood support.
*Name changed for security reasons
Lord Jesus, come to the rescue of Your children in Myanmar, who have suffered so much. We pray for strong and just governance, a stable economy, and peace between warring groups. Shield our family from harm, engulf the hurting with Your unfailing comfort, and bring timely encouragement to those who need it today. Provide every physical, emotional and spiritual need, and make a way for the displaced to return to their homes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
