Armed conflict and rising surveillance make life for Christians challenging.
bottom“Since I have experienced persecution, I can now better understand the pain experienced by Christians suffering for their faith."
– Ko Aung, Myanmar believer
Myanmar remains mired in a violent conflict that has a devastating impact on the country’s Christian minority.
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 – even well-established ones in predominantly Christian states like Chin and Kayah. More Christians than ever have been driven out of their homes and have found refuge in churches or IDP camps. Some are even forced to flee to the jungle, where they are often deprived of access to food and health care.
Christians are part of the generally peaceful resistance movement, but fighting has increased across the country, and although not all ethnic minority armed groups are involved, some Christian ones are. Government forces have continued to disproportionally attack Christian villages and churches and 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 that aim to stay “Buddhist only” make life for Christian families impossible.
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 smaller, means that persecution is a very real risk for our sisters and brothers in different parts of the country.
Additionally, women’s rights in Myanmar are rapidly disappearing following the military takeover in February 2021.
– That the Holy Spirit will comfort and empower believers amid the ongoing conflict.
– That believers will be given wisdom as they respond to different challenges.
– That the ruling military will do more to bring justice and freedom for all.
Working through local partners, Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, discipleship and leadership programmes, livelihood support, and youth, children, and family ministries.
