by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - Christians in Myanmar are living in a conflict zone as General Min Aung Hlaing of the ruling Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) announced last month that the country is now a “Buddhist majority” nation, International Christian Concern reports. Myanmar believers are reportedly arrested, tortured, and killed by the Tatmadaw on a daily basis.
Having led the ouster of Myanmar’s elected government of Myanmar in a military coup in February, Hlaing stated in an August 1 speech: “Our country is a Buddhist majority believers’ country. In the last five years, Buddhists have encountered many disappointing things. After we take over the responsibilities in accordance with the provisions in the constitution, I will prioritize keeping the tradition of faith.”
ICC noted in its report that, although religion has historically often been used for political gain in Myanmar, “no politician has used this card so bluntly like [Hlaing].” According to ICC, “[Hlaing] seeks to sow division among the people as he attempts to rule... Many critics assess that the Tatmadaw is going to use this religious card systematically in their propaganda.”
According to ICC, most Christians in Myanmar are currently living in “active conflict zones” and are facing intense hardship. “They are running for their lives, losing their homes, being arrested, tortured, injured, or even killed, while facing the most brutal 3rd wave of COVID-19 all at the same time, with nothing to protect themselves,” ICC said in its report.
Nevertheless, ICC reports, Myanmar believers have been holding fast to their faith in Christ: “It sustains them when the days are dark and the future seems bleak,” ICC said.