ASIA/MYANMAR - A new Catholic church in Chin State, a sign of faith and hope amid suffering and displacement

Hakha (Agenzia Fides) - The inauguration of a new church is a powerful sign of rebirth and hope for the Catholic population in Chin State in northwestern Myanmar. The only Burmese state with a Christian majority, Chin State has been largely controlled by resistance forces opposing the military junta since the 2021 coup. According to local sources, there is a sense of confidence and hope for the future within the Catholic community of the Diocese of Hakha, the capital of Chin State. The faithful participated in the inauguration and solemn blessing of the new parish church of St. Joseph in the municipality of Matupi, in the territory of Hakha.
The new church, inaugurated on February 12, is also a sign of rebirth because numerous churches in the state have been destroyed by violent attacks from the Burmese army. Among the destroyed Catholic churches was Christ the King Church in Falam, in the Diocese of Hakha, which was the target of military attacks in April 2025 (see Fides, 11/4/2025). In February 2025, the army damaged the Sacred Heart Church in Mindat, which was to become the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Mindat, in an airstrike (see Fides, 10/2/2025).
The Bishop of Hakha, Lucius Hre Kung, who presided over the inauguration of the new church, congratulated the parishioners and emphasized: “There are few events in the life of a parish that are more significant and joyous than the dedication of a new church, a house of worship, and a home for the people of God.” “Often,” the bishop continued, “this is the culmination of a long process, that last years—a time of reflection, planning, fundraising, and construction by parishioners. Especially now, in this time of difficulty and suffering, it is a true sign of God’s love, a shining sign of faith.” The bishop reminded those present that when church walls are destroyed, “a building is damaged, but faith remains steadfast because the people of God continue to believe and hope. The Church belongs to Christ, and he is close to his people.” “Let us remain steadfast in prayer and communion, united with the Heart of Christ and the Heart of Mary, which embrace all the sufferings of humanity,” he hoped.
Since 2021, armed resistance groups have succeeded in driving the junta’s soldiers out of large parts of Chin State. It is now considered one of the “liberated zones,” which necessitates comprehensive territorial administration at all levels. It is the only state in Myanmar with a Christian majority: Of its approximately 500,000 inhabitants, 85% are Christian, mostly Baptists, and about 70,000 are Catholic. The state has rapidly become a stronghold of resistance in Myanmar. Newly formed armed groups such as the Chinland Defense Force and the Chin National Defense Force cooperate with historically established ethnic armed groups like the Chin National Front and the Chin National Army. After the Burmese army lost control of large parts of the territory, it conducts indiscriminate airstrikes on towns and villages, leading to widespread unrest among the civilian population (over 160,000 people have been displaced). Civilian infrastructure and religious institutions are also being attacked. Civil infrastructure and religious institutions are also targeted. The destruction of the city of Thantlang in Chin State was one of the symbolic acts of violence: Between late 2021 and early 2022, the Burmese army carried out an arson campaign in the city, displacing its entire population of 10,000. Of the city's 22 churches, only one remains standing, while churches belonging to Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, and Seventh-day Adventists, which the military considered "resistance centers," were also burned down. According to a human rights organization based in Chin State, more than 107 religious buildings, including 67 churches, have been destroyed in the military-controlled state since 2021 during the civil war. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 17/2/2026)

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