Faith
Myanmar Christians Face Early Christmas Orders
Faith Facts
- Myanmar’s military is forcing Christians to celebrate Christmas early to avoid a clash with elections scheduled for December 28.
- Churches must finish celebrations by December 20 under orders from the junta in Kachin State, with non-compliance threatening arrest or worse.
- The military is accused of targeting Christian leaders, including a young reverend who was forcibly conscripted despite legal exemptions for clergy.
Christians in Myanmar are facing unprecedented pressure as the military dictates when they can honor the birth of Christ, disrupting the sacred observance that lies at the heart of the faith.
This violation of religious freedom is deeply troubling, especially as followers of Christ desire only to worship in peace and truth.
“I feel this is an act of religious repression. I have never experienced this in all my life as a Christian.”
“The way they are forcing this is like forcing someone to hold their birthday party on a day that is not their actual birthday. Who would be happy with that?”
“And this celebration is infinitely more important than one’s own birthday; it is the most sacred festival for every Christian.”
Christian leaders, including Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, warn that these actions are part of a broader campaign to control and intimidate religious minorities, undermining the very foundation of liberty.
“Myanmar’s military junta is orchestrating a fraudulent election built on violence and control, and these latest actions confirm that it is explicitly using the polls and its new laws to attack religious minorities.”
“Ordering Christians to celebrate their holiest festival on a date dictated by the military is a significant violation of freedom of religion or belief.”
“Similarly, forcibly conscripting a young minister strips his community of leadership and represents the ultimate coercion—especially when it directly contradicts their own law.”
“It is also worth noting that these incidents are two visible, emblematic cases that have been reported in the media, with similar rights violations and violence against civilians continuing unseen across the nation in light of blanket internet blackouts, particularly in Chin and Kachin States.”
In times like these, the Christian community must continue to pray, stand firm for faith and freedom, and call on leaders worldwide to defend the basic rights bestowed by our Creator.