Christians call for prayers as new fighting breaks out in Myanmar

ACN Executive President asks that attention be paid

Almost three years after the military coup of February 2021, Myanmar rebels have launched a major offensive. Following the recent coordinated attack in Shan state, known as Operation 1027, fighting has also intensified in various other areas, including the Sagaing region, as well as in Chin and Kayah States. There is widespread violence and displacement.

Regina Lynch, executive president of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), expressed her concern. “We heard of strong attacks in several dioceses. Recent days have seen a significant escalation in violence and displacement, and we have received an increasing number of urgent requests for prayer.”

“Throughout the last three years of civil war, the Church has stood by the people, who have faced the destruction of numerous places of worship and the displacement of entire villages. However, this new spiral of violence requires that we remember our brothers and sisters in this remote and often forgotten part of the world.”

“The suffering has reached a critical point, prompting ever more civilians to seek refuge in churches. But regrettably, reports have surfaced about distressing incidents in sacred compounds. Even some churches have become zones of conflict, and religious institutions have been forcibly evacuated,” said Lynch.

“Collateral damage to church properties has also been reported, adding to the gravity of the situation.”

And as conditions worsen, ACN’s partners in Myanmar are pleading for our prayers: “The situation is dire, and we humbly request that everyone pray for us during these challenging times,” said one message.

“Please, let us not forget to pray for Myanmar. Among the many conflicts in the world right now, the people in Myanmar feel alone in their suffering. Our solidarity is a beacon of light in the darkness they are facing,” Lynch concluded.

—Maria Lozano