Persecution of Christians in Myanmar
At least 6.2% of the population of Myanmar is Christian. Most of these believers are from the Christian-majority Chin, Kachin and Karen ethnic groups.
For at least three generations believers in Myanmar have suffered for their faith at the hands of Buddhist nationalists. Religiously, Myanmar is 88% Buddhist and ethnically 68% Burman (or Bamar). Christians are targeted both for their religion and for their ethnicity.
This persecution has intensified since the February 2021 coup that reasserted military rule in Myanmar. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in attacks on Christian communities, and tens of thousands have sought refuge in the jungle or in IDP (internally displaced persons) camps. Many have been forced to move several times.
Religious freedom in Myanmar
Myanmar’s 2008 constitution upholds the right to freedom of religion, and there are many churches, including in the capital city Naypyitaw.
The Christian-majority China, Kachin and Karen people – along with the Muslim-majority Rohingya – are nonetheless among the worst-affected by military violence against civilians.
Abuses carried out against the Rohingya are widely considered to represent genocide, and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has suggested that the treatment of Christian communities should be regarded in the same way.
How Barnabas Aid is helping
Thanks to our supporters, we have been able to provide food and other essentials to thousands of Myanmar believers displaced by military violence. More recently, we have also supported a Christian-led teaching hospital and trauma centre, which provides free 24-hour medical care and life-saving surgeries. Barnabas Aid supporters have funded the provision of thousands of Bibles in local languages. In some cases, elderly believers have walked for miles to receive a copy of God’s Word after decades of prayer.
In 2025, we were blessed to be able to reach more than 9,000 Christians affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that devasted parts of the country.
How you can pray
- Pray for an end to the military’s violence towards Christians and other minorities in Myanmar.
- Ask for the Lord’s protection of those displaced and for essential supplies to reach those in need. Pray that they will be able to return to their communities.
- Intercede for our suffering brothers and sisters, praying that their faith will remain firm.
