13Myanmar

As Myanmar enters the fifth year of an increasingly violent conflict, solutions – or even a ceasefire – are nowhere in sight. And the violence is having a devastating impact on the country’s Christian minority, who are among those bearing the brunt of the 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.

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’re often deprived of access to food and health care. Government forces have continued to disproportionately attack Christian villages and churches. They’ve also killed Christian aid workers and pastors, often in aerial attacks.

Beyond the conflict, converts to Christianity find themselves persecuted by their Buddhist, Muslim or tribal families and communities because they’ve left their former faith. Non-traditional church groups experience opposition, too, especially those located in rural areas and those known for their evangelistic activities.

Meet Tun Maun

“When dusk falls, we call everyone inside the house, we lock our doors and windows, light our lamps and candles, and stay as quiet as we can.”

Tun Maun (name changed), believer in Myanmar.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Working through local partners, Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, discipleship and leadership programmes, livelihood support, and youth, children and family ministries.