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?
- 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 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 disproportionally attack Christian villages and churches and also killed Christian aid workers and pastors, often in aerial attacks.
Why are Christians persecuted in Myanmar?
- As Myanmar enters the fifth year of conflict, exacerbated since the coup in 2021, the ongoing violence is having a devastating impact on Myanmar’s Christian minority. They can be targeted by both sides and among those bearing the brunt of the attacks. The conflict is also used by those in power as an opportunity to target Christians with tighter restrictions.
- Christians already faced significant persecution for their faith before the coup, and the conflict has exacerbated and added to existing opposition.
- Communities which aim to stay ‘Buddhist only’ make life for Christian families impossible. Converts are particularly persecuted, because they are seen as threatening this ethos.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Myanmar?
- Converts to Christianity find themselves persecuted by their Buddhist, Muslim or tribal families and communities because they have left their former faith.
- Non-traditional church groups experience opposition, too, especially those located in rural areas and those who are known for their evangelistic activities.
- Progress made on women’s rights is rapidly disappearing, following the military takeover. Sexual and physical assault by the armed forces is a significant threat to Christian women, particularly those belonging to ethnic minorities.
What has changed in Myanmar in the past year?
- Myanmar has risen four places on the World Watch List, with persecution in church life having the most significant increase. It is now in the ‘extreme’ category of persecution scores.
- In the past year, Myanmar’s civil war has become entrenched in areas with a significant Christian presence, such as Chin state. Solutions – or even a ceasefire – are nowhere in sight.
- 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.
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.
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.
*Name changed for security reasons
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