How many Christians are there in Myanmar?
There are 4.3 million Christians from a population of 54.3 million. The majority religion of Myanmar is Buddhism.
Why are Christians persecuted in Myanmar?
There is an increasing emphasis on Buddhism in Myanmar, to the exclusion of all other faiths. The persecution of Rohingya Muslims has been widely publicised, but less attention has been given to the continuing war affecting Kachin, Shan and Karen States, where the population is predominantly Christian.
Meet Thein*
“I weep for our area. It’s so remote and only a few people are allowed to enter the village. Please always uphold us in your prayers.”Thein, Myanmar
What’s life like for Christians in Myanmar?
More than 100,000 Christians have been forced to flee their homes because of intense fighting in Kachin and Shan States. They are still living in camps where they are denied access to food and healthcare.
It has become even clearer in the past year that radical Buddhist monks have the support of the Burmese army, and that the government’s attempts to counteract these radical monks are not working. In Thein’s village, he hasn’t been allowed to build a church in his own plot, and local authorities and neighbours sometimes interrupt and stop his congregation from worshipping. Churches are often monitored, and land grabbing from Christians is common.
How can I help Christians in Myanmar
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through local partners and churches. This includes distributing Christian literature, discipleship and leadership training, livelihood support and persecution survival training.
*Name changed for security reasons
Lord Jesus, please protect our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. We pray for an end to conflict and displacement, and that Christians would be able to return to their communities and worship together in freedom. Please give them opportunities to share their faith with their neighbours. Amen.
