Burma Research Institute Releases New Report Documenting Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Against Christians in Burma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ellicott City, MD — The Burma Research Institute (BRI) released a new report, “Burma: Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Against Christians,” on January 29 documenting the Burmese military’s systematic, ongoing, and egregious attacks on Christian communities since the February 2021 coup through December 2025.

The report focuses on patterns of persecution of Christians across Chin, Kachin, Karenni, and Karen states, and Sagaing Region, including airstrikes and arson attacks against churches, intimidation and detention of clergy, and killings of Christian leaders.

Key findings

343 Christian churches and buildings were damaged or destroyed by the Burmese military since the coup (BRI estimate synthesizing multiple credible datasets).
149 Christians killed and 218 imprisoned (Open Doors totals for 2022–2025, as presented in the report).
The report documents repeated attacks on religious sites during Christian holy days, including Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter. It also highlights a sustained assault on the Christian town of Thantlang, where 21 of 22 churches have been destroyed and the entire population is displaced.

The report launch featured recorded statements from Senator Chuck Grassley, Senator James Lankford, and USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler.

Senator Chuck Grassley said, “Those who remain in Burma face the Military’s brutal crackdown and repression…most outrageous of all is the persecution of Christians. This absolutely must stop! I’ve supported efforts in the past to strengthen democracy in Burma and hold the military junta accountable. My prayers are with all Burmese who have suffered under military rule and I hope today’s report shines a light on these atrocities and moves us closer to lasting peace and justice for all the people of Burma”.

Senator James Lankford said, “Christians [in Burma] are standing up to the oppression of the Burmese junta… we stand with you, we pray for you and we will do what we can.”

USCIRF Chair, Vicky Hartzler, said, “attacks on houses of worship and religious communities by the Burmese military continue to increase throughout 2025 according to our monitoring.”

BRI Board Chairman Revered Dr. Robin Stoops and President Zo Tum Hmung facilitated the report launch, offering remarks summarizing the report’s findings and recommendation. Additional remarks were provided by Rev. Lakang Dau Qae (Ah Le) of the Kachin Baptist Churches USA, an anonymous Christian clergy inside Burma and an anonymous Christian clergy from Burma now living in the US.

Reverend Dr. Robin Stoops said, “Burma Research Institute’s latest report documents the ongoing trauma faced by Christian communities in Burma as persecution by the military junta continues. We urge the U.S. government to take note and act decisively to hold those responsible accountable.”

“This report shows that the military atrocities against Christians constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes,” said Zo Tum Hmung, President and CEO of the Burma Research Institute. “We urge the United States to act now to protect Christians and religious freedom for all people in Burma.”

The full report, an accompanying briefing paper, and slide presentation are available from the Burma Research Institute website (burmari.org). Click here to view the event’s webpage.

Testimonies:

Video Remarks: