by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - US Christian groups are urgently calling for Congress to address Myanmar’s military junta's ongoing persecution of Christians, Baptist News Global (BNG) reports. Ruled by the Buddhist extremist Tatmadaw army, which overthrew the country’s democratically elected government in a military coup in 2021, Myanmar ranks 14th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
In a letter to US Rep. Kay Granger of Texas that was co-signed by Baptist pastors, 21Wilberforce President Randel Everett wrote: “[Myanmar’s] ethnic Baptist Christians have suffered tremendous devastation under this military coup as villages and towns have been attacked and burned, forcing another large diaspora to flee to neighboring countries (1.3 million) as well as to the jungle areas of Burma (1.9 million).”
“We urge you to support them in their effort to reclaim democracy, restore their security and freedoms — including the right to freely follow one’s faith, and redress the injustices perpetrated by this unlawful regime,” the letter adds.
In a column for Christianity Today on September 15, the Chin Association of Maryland announced plans to hold a hearing in US Senate offices about the dire situation facing Myanmar Christians, BNG reports.
“Today, the Tatmadaw (military) specifically targets Christians from ethnic minorities such as the Chin, Kachin, Karen and Karenni,” the Chin Association column says.
“The Baptist World Alliance, World Council of Churches, Open Doors, and other Christian leaders have called for action on the military junta’s persecution of Christians. It is past time for the Biden administration to ensure accountability, protect Myanmar’s persecuted Christians, and provide support for the democratic resistance.”