There is rising violence against Christians.
Soldiers from Myanmar’s military junta have reportedly set fire to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the predominantly Christian Kachin state, destroying the historic church during intensified military operations. The cathedral, a key cultural and spiritual landmark for Christians in the region, was burned shortly before the annual celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, according to the United Kingdom-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The fire, which occurred in the Banmaw area, follows earlier attacks that damaged the church’s grounds, including the destruction of the priest’s residence, diocesan offices, and a local high school in February.
The junta, known as the State Administration Council, has been escalating its offensives in areas with large Christian populations. In recent months, several churches and religious sites have been targeted, such as the destruction of Sacred Heart Church in Chin State and an airstrike that leveled St. Michael’s Catholic Church’s pastoral center in the Banmaw Diocese. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of retaliation against communities accused of supporting ethnic resistance movements.
Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar, also known as Burma, has faced increasing civil unrest. The junta has ramped up airstrikes and attacks on civilian areas, particularly in regions like Karen and Karenni states, where Christian communities are prevalent. The violence has coincided with ethnic resistance groups launching Operation 1027, which has resulted in significant losses for the junta as armed groups overrun military bases. This has led to further retaliatory attacks from the junta, aiming to suppress opposition movements.
Myanmar’s ethnic and religious diversity includes a substantial Christian population, especially in states like Kachin and Chin. The persecution of these communities has led many to flee the country, seeking refuge in neighboring nations like India and Thailand. Some have resettled in distant countries such as the United States and Australia, while many others remain in refugee camps near the Myanmar border, facing ongoing uncertainty amid the escalating conflict.