Since the beginning of the conflict in Myanmar in 2021, more than 300 religious buildings were destroyed. From this, more than 100 were Christian churches that were targeted and destroyed in many cases by junta airstrikes. In an airstrike in November of this year, the junta air force bombed a church that offered shelter to people displaced by the fights. In the airstrike, nine people, including children, lost their lives.

With the current situation in the country, Christians celebrated Christmas in fear of a possible airstrike. In the anti-junta forces, who controlled Kayah State in East Myanmar, a group of Christians decided to celebrate Christmas in a safe cave deep in the jungle. Hundreds of people gathered together on Christmas Eve for Mass to celebrate in the cave. An official in an ethnic minority administration said that religious ceremonies are always held in the cave since it is safe from airstrikes.

In other parts of Myanmar, Christians also adapted to the situation. A resident in Mindat said that

“When the country is free we can do these things again. We just have to be patient, even though we’re sad.”

A resident of a Christian-majority village in Sagaing province said that they keep the church services as short as possible to avoid the possible airstrikes. That is how not only the Christmas season but also the everyday life of Myanmar’s Christian minority looks like. The fear of airstrikes looming over every gathering.

Source: Radio Free Asia