Churches Raided by Military Troops

Steeple with sunset

Two churches in Myanmar recently encountered raids from military troops. Since the coup d'état in February 2021, religious minorities have faced renewed violence at the hands of military members. For additional information on the various offences experienced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Myanmar, go to our country report.

In the early morning of April 10th, members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in the village of Sharge were preparing food for their Palm Sunday celebrations, which were scheduled to take place later that day. At around 3 a.m., troops raided the church and detained 13 people, including the assistant parish priest. For several hours, those who were detained faced questioning before being released. However, at last report, the young priest remains in custody. Church officials have since been negotiating with the military for his release.

Two days earlier, on April 8th, an estimated 40 soldiers stormed the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Mandalay and detained the congregation for three hours during a Lenten prayer service. Archbishop Marco Win Tin, together with approximately 20 priests and other church officials, were detained as soldiers searched the premises for weapons, gold and money – items that they believed were being used to aid rebels who opposed the military junta.

Despite denials from members of the church, the soldiers continued to search throughout the building but found nothing. Nevertheless, 30 troops remained inside the cathedral overnight. Thankfully, no one was injured during the raid, but those detained were understandably very shaken by the ordeal.

Please pray that the congregants and church leaders affected by both recently occurring raids will receive needed comfort and peace. Also pray that the detained priest would soon be granted release. May God's Holy Spirit work mightily throughout the country of Myanmar in the following ways: 1) by guiding the nation's leaders to establish a government that will provide freedom and protection for all citizens; and 2) by revealing His plan of eternal salvation to spiritual seekers who are receptive to the message of the Gospel.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners with a seminary in Myanmar which is committed to teaching foundational Biblical truths and practical ministry opportunities to ensuring that students are well-equipped and prepared for Christian ministry.

    Project Funds: Relief and Development, Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    57,970,293 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Burman (68), Shan (9), Karen (7), Rakhine (4), Chinese (3), Indian (2), Mon (2), Other (5)

    Religion (%)
    Buddhism (87.9), Christianity (6.2), Islam (4.3), other (1.6)

    Leader
    Prime Minister Min Aund Hlaing (2021)

    Government type
    Military regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Myanmar

    Pray that the newly elected civilian government will respect the religious freedoms of all its citizens – including the followers of Jesus. Ask God to prove Himself victorious over the longstanding abuses in Burma, and to demonstrate His transforming power by bringing many more to salvation. May He bless and multiply the evangelistic efforts of the seminary students and graduates, granting them divine appointments with people who are silently yearning for the truth of the Gospel.

Myanmar News

  • Baptist Pastor Killed by Unknown Assailants
    Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li
    Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li
    Photo: Radio Free Asia

    On March 18th, three armed men entered a computer shop run by Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li from his home in Magaung township. There, the men shot the pastor twice in the stomach and, when he did not immediately die, they also shot him in the head. At the time of publishing this report, the identities of the gunmen and the reason for the assassination are not completely evident. The pastor leaves behind a grieving wife and three children.

  • Alleged War Crimes Against Christians
    Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
    Min Aung Hlaing
    Photo: Wikipedia / Mil.ru (cc)
     

    Five Christians, who have been victims of persecution as a result of Myanmar's military dictatorship, recently filed a war crimes complaint in a Philippines court. Although these believers were originally from Chin state, they have emigrated to Australia, Britain, Canada and India. The alleged victims argue that a 2009 Philippine law obligates the country to prosecute war crimes committed elsewhere under the principle of universal jurisdiction.

  • Terrorism Charges Filed Against Detained Church Leader
    Dr. Samson speaking publicly.
    Rev. Dr. Samson
    Photo: VOMC Contacts

    On December 5th, a prominent Christian leader of the Kachin Baptist Convention, Dr. Hkalam Samson, was arbitrarily arrested at the airport as he was boarding a flight to Bangkok for medical treatment. (For details on Dr. Samson's arrest, go to this page.) In the weeks that followed, his concerned family members were forbidden visitation. They were also not allowed to provide the 65-year-old Christian man any food or medication, raising more concerns about his ongoing health needs.

  • Pre-Registration Required to Attend Services
    A church surrounded by bushes and trees
    Judson Baptist Church
    Photo: Graham Norton

    Military authorities in Chin State, Myanmar, announced on February 13th that Christians residing within areas governed under martial law will be forced to register with township administrators seven days in advance of attending any church services. No information about the form of punishment that will be administered to those failing to comply had been provided at that time.