Burma Cracks Down on Rangoon Churches

by Dan Wooding from ASSIST News Service

RANGOON, BURMA (ANS) -- A serious crackdown on churches in Rangoon, the former capital of Burma, is taking place with local authorities in the city ordering at least 100 churches to stop holding worship services, according to the Mizzima new agency.

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Christians are worried that they will not be allowed to worship anymore, even in their own house," said one pastor in a report received by CSW. 

Another pastor in Rangoon, who cannot be named for security reasons, claimed in a report received by CSW that several churches have now been locked and sealed, including three churches in South Dagon Township: the Evangelical Baptist Church, the Karen Baptist Church and the Dagon Joshua Church.

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"Some Christians believe that the immediate cause of the crackdown is church involvement in providing relief for victims of Cyclone Nargis, which devastated the area in May 2008."

According to Shwekey Hoipang, a Chin pastor from Burma living in exile, the regime does not like the fact that Buddhists have been receiving help from churches, and fears this may possibly result in conversions.

"The regime does not want Buddhists coming in and out of churches. It does not want Christianity to grow in Burma,” said Hoipang. "Ultimately, the regime seeks the destruction of Christianity. This is part of a top-secret plan by the military to stop Christian growth."

Burma is categorized as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the US State Department, for its violations of religious freedom, CSW said.

Please read the Full Persecution Report about Burma for more information and guidance on how you can pray.