Release International

The authorities in Rangoon have banned church meetings in private homes – effectively shutting down most churches in the city.

More than 100 pastors from leading Rangoon churches were informed of the ban at a meeting called by local officials. They were told that churches would be sealed and leaders punished – even jailed – if the ban were flouted.

The 50 church leaders who attended the meeting were made to sign documents pledging to observe the ban. Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports that several churches have already been locked and sealed, including three in South Dagon Township.

Most churches are affected by the ban, sources told the Mizzima news agency. Only a few churches in Rangoon have their own land as the Burmese authorities stopped issuing churches permits for land ownership or construction in the late 1990s.

(Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Mizzima)

Pray for wisdom for church leaders in Rangoon – and strong faith for members.

Pray that this extra pressure on the church in Rangoon will cause it to grow.

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