Christians Now Need Permission to Read Bible in Burma

Groups Call for Religious Tolerance in the Country

The Burmese government recently imposed new regulations restricting the ability of Christians in the country to worship, hold Bible studies and pray, according to reports.

The latest move by officials in Burma requires Christians in the Phakant Township, Kachin State to submit a written request at least 15 days in advance to read the Bible, conduct a Bible study, host Sunday school and other prayer-related activities, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The requests, mandated by the General Township Administration Department, also must be accompanied by recommendations from other departments.

“For many years, successive Burmese regimes have suppressed freedom of religion and imposed serious restrictions on Christians and other religious minorities,” CSW’s East Asia Team Leader Benedict Rogers said. “To impose a requirement on churches and individuals to seek permission to read the Bible, pray, fast and hold a Sunday school is an extreme restriction and an extraordinary further violation of freedom of religion.”

The new restrictions come as Burma has seen an increase in violence against the nation’s Christian minority, mostly located in northern Kachin State.

Earlier this month, Burmese military officials beat and arrested five men, including Pastor Jan Ma Aung Li of the Catholic Association, according to Mizzima, a news organization run by Burmese journalists in Delhi, India. The men were later released. To read more, click here.