Armed conflict and growing military control make life for Christians challenging.
bottom“We have to leave our homes for our safety. We can no longer go to our churches. It is unsafe as churches are also targeted.”
— Pastor Mun
As Myanmar enters the fifth year of an increasingly violent conflict, solutions—or even a ceasefire—are nowhere in sight. The violence is having a devastating impact on the country’s Christian minority who bear the brunt of 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, Yangon, and Irrawaddy.
More Christians than ever have been driven out of their homes and have found refuge in churches or displacement camps. Some are forced to flee to the jungle where they are often deprived of access to food and healthcare. Government forces have continued to disproportionately attack Christian villages and churches. They have also killed Christian aid workers and pastors, often in aerial attacks.
Additionally, they have 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.
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.
Christian men can encounter threats, beatings, imprisonment, and even torture for choosing to follow Jesus. Women risk sexual and physical assault by armed forces.
– That God will enable Christians to endure the ongoing consequences of the coup.
– That believers caught in the conflict between the warring groups will be peacemakers.
– That leaders of Myanmar’s military will see Jesus as their only source and Saviour.
Working through local partners, Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, discipleship and leadership programmes, livelihood support, and ministries for youth, children, and families.
