| 100 Churches In Burma Ordered To Close |
Missions News: Persecution
(Myanmar) -- At least 100 churches have been ordered to stop holding services as part of a new crackdown on Christians in Myanmar (Burma). In addition, 50 pastors have been forced to sign at least five documents each to cease church services—and have been warned repeatedly they could face time in jail if they disobey. All of the affected churches are in the Yangon (Rangoon) area.
The crackdown is of great concern to Christians in Myanmar and a serious violation of religious freedom. Most of the churches meet in homes, and Christians are now left wondering if they will be prohibited from worshipping in their own homes.
Some think it could be the military regime’s response to churches helping with relief for victims of Cyclone Nargis, which hit Myanmar’s coast in May 2008. Cyclone Nargis caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma, including 146,000 fatalities and thousands more missing. Relief efforts were initially slowed for political reasons as Burma's military rulers resisted assistance. When Burma's ruling party finally accepted aid, numerous Christian relief organizations such as World Vision performed critical relief work in the aftermath of the natural disaster, with the assistance of local Myanmar Christians and churches.
“The regime does not like the fact that Buddhists have been receiving help from churches, and fears this may possibly result in conversion,” one pastor living in exile said. “It does not want Christianity to grow in Burma. Ultimately, the regime seeks the destruction of Christianity.”
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The International Faith Telegraph |