- Jul 27, 2009
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- United States
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What does persecution look like 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 is now five years since the military coup that 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, and an earthquake in March killed more than 3,600 people and forced even more from their homes.
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. It leads to everyday discrimination, such as difficulties getting Christianity recognised on ID cards, denial of access to basic services such as water, and forced participation in Buddhist rituals. There is even a state-supported plan to convert Christians and other religious minorities to Buddhism, particularly in remote areas. Churches, meanwhile, have difficulty registering with the authorities and evangelistic activities are strongly opposed.
Converts can face additional hostility from their families and communities, who may view their faith as a betrayal of their heritage.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Christians in Chin, Kachin, Shan, Kayah and Sagaing are particularly at risk amid worsening violence, displacement and targeted attacks. Young believers from poor backgrounds who have to attend Buddhist schools are also vulnerable.Meet Pastor Yang
What has changed this year?
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 by violence. And 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 numerous tragic incidents, ten armed men stormed a parish in Kangyitaw, forcing Father Donald Martin to kneel. He refused, declaring that he knelt only to God, and it cost him his life.What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Myanmar?
Open Doors partners strengthen persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, persecution-survival training, presence ministry and livelihood support.How can you pray for Myanmar?
- The devastating 2025 earthquake left more than 3,600 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced – Christians among them. Pray for these believers and all people in Myanmar as they rebuild.
- Christians are targeted and discriminated against by the ruling military junta. Pray for a change of heart in the authorities.
- Ask God to protect church leaders and evangelists in Myanmar who risk their lives to bring God’s Word and discipleship training to Christians in remote areas.
