Two Years into Military Coup in Myanmar/Burma

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 marked the second anniversary of the Military coup in Burma (Myanmar). Since the coup in 2021, thousands have been killed, more than 10,000 have been arrested and over half-amillion people have been displaced. Many churches from various backgrounds have been destroyed, and there continues to be a great need for humanitarian aid.

The Burma Refugee Commission members have worked with other groups to ensure the passage of the Burma bill, a U.S. government bill signed into law on December 23, 2022. In a December 16, 2022, American Baptist News Service release, General Secretary Emeritus Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, chair of the Burma Advocacy Group, stated: “This bill is of great importance as it contains provisions for substantial humanitarian aid, support for the democracy movement, and sanctions against those persons/entities funding the unlawful regime. Our efforts began last year with the theme ‘Pray and Act for Burma.’ Each has been essential in securing the passage of this bill. When we had felt it was all but lost, God heard our prayers and the bill was given new life when Rep. Gregory Meeks, in an unforeseen legislative move, gave it new life.” American Baptists continue to work alongside partners to advocate for freedom, peace and justice in Burma.

Remembering God’s call to intercede for those who suffer, we will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Burma, as well as those here in the metropolitan area. (More than 8 percent of DCBC member churches are from this part of the world). A prayer service was held during the June 28-30, 2022, International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington D.C., a summit dedicated to religious freedom for everyone, everywhere and all the time.

In addition to the D.C. Baptist Convention Burma Work Group, the Burma Refugee Commission is a commission of the American Baptist Churches (ABC) USA Board of General Ministries coordinated out of the ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary. It includes representatives from International Ministries, the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, the Regional Executive Ministers Council, Burmese Baptist Churches USA, Chin Baptist Churches USA, Chin Baptist Association of North America, Kachin Baptist Churches USA, Kachin American Baptist Association, and the Karen Baptist Churches USA.