Capital Closures in Myanmar
New restrictions placed upon Christian house churches in the Burmese capital of Yangon in January soon spread to established churches, threatening to close 80 percent of the city's congregations.
Government orders issued January 5 forced many Christians meeting in homes or apartments—a growing practice since authorities stopped issuing construction permits for new churches in the late 1990s—to cease gathering for worship. Weeks later, officials ordered several major Yangon churches, including Wather Hope Church, Emmanuel Church, and the Assemblies of God Church, to stop holding services.
Pastors from more than 100 Yangon churches were summoned to a meeting and told to sign documents pledging to cease operation of their churches, according to Mizzima, a Burmese news agency. The documents threatened punishment, including potential jail terms and the sealing of church facilities, for pastors who refused to obey the closure orders.
Some observers suggested the crackdown was related to Christian involvement in relief efforts for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, which hit Myanmar in May 2008. The country's isolationist military government initially banned foreign aid, but Christians delivering relief supplies to the Irrawaddy Delta region raised fears that Buddhists who accepted aid from Christians might convert.
The church closure orders may simply be an extension of Myanmar's existing religious policies, which elevate Buddhism—practiced by 82 percent of the population—in an effort to solidify national identity.
Reports from various mission groups suggest Christianity is flourishing under the regime, but believers must be creative in finding places to worship, particularly in rural areas.
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H. D. Schmidt
Yes, while still many nations of the world cannot and will not tolerate Christianity, may I suggest and ask: What kind of example is our own United States of America, the very nation established upon the principles of Almighty God, the very Creator of the Universe, portraying into all over the world while its evermore inhumane and horrendous war machinery circles the globe, killing and actually causing the killing of thousands upon thousands, mostly innocent men, women and children? Yes, while the very Homeland is sinking ever deeper financially, morally and every other aspect of human endeavor! Yes, while at the same time world hunger has now surpassed the billion mark, with hunger having increased of late by 50% here in the very USA? The traditional American Biblical home being steadely kissed goobye, as most recently reported by the very WSJ. Actaully greatly caused by the very unconstitutional taxing code! Yes, 900,000 gang members roaming free in America, per the FBI! Etc., etc.!
Bariman
Yes, we certainly need to pray for these our brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm reminded of Paul on the road to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him. Jesus asked Paul "Why are you persecuting Me?" When persecutions takes place it is first and foremost Jesus who is being persecuted and also the Church (the Body of Christ) Lord, we lift them up to You.
veritas
As a former missionary in Myanmar, I was privileged to meet and fellowship with many of the Christian brethren trying to live peaceful lives under a harsh regime. They are not nameless faces and numbers; they are real people like you and I. Please pray for their safety, peace, protection and provision. If you can, stand in support of them by intervening with letters and other means. Please. They are our real brothers and sisters.