The current crisis in Myanmar has reached the ears and stirred the hearts of many in our churches. The plight of our Myanmar-Burmese Baptist brothers and sisters cannot be ignored, and last week representatives from our churches across NSW and ACT met with others from across the nation to advocate for justice at Parliament House.
On 27-29 October, delegates from NSW and ACT, including community leaders and pastors from churches in Sydney and Coffs Harbour, Baptist Mission Australia’s NSW Lead, and the Association’s Governance Manager, met with colleagues nationally and Baptist World Aid to Stand with Myanmar at Converge 2025.
“Australian Baptists, guided by our biblical conviction to care for those in need, were joined by partner agencies, including the Australian Council for International Development, to reiterate Australia’s role as a generous neighbour and development partner of choice in our region,” explains Edwin Ho, NSW/ACT Baptist Association Governance Manager.
Myanmar has been devastated by conflict since the military coup in 2021. The recent cut to funding from the United States, along with the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March, has added further strain on all humanitarian agencies, and much assistance is needed across the whole region.
The imminent withdrawal of critical aid services from the Myanmar-Thailand border will leave108,000 displaced Myanmar citizens at risk of hunger, untreated illness and deprivation. This follows the 90-day freeze on aid from the United States, which has already forced the closure of hospitals in several camps in Thailand, leaving thousands of people without access to medical care.
Grace, a Myanmar-Burmese young adult from the Kachin community, attended Converge to advocate for her community. The Kachin people have faced longstanding persecution by the Myanmar military.
“I grew up hearing my dad’s stories about growing up on the Thai–Burma border,” explainsGrace, “more recently, I was inspired to really do something about the situation in Burma and Thailand, for our people, because having my family over there and hearing what they’ve gone through puts something on your heart.”
Grace, along with everyone gathered for Converge 2025, urges the Australian Government to take a stronger stance for human rights in Myanma. Over the days they were there, the team worked in a unified, Spirit-filled way advocating in Federal Parliament for:
- An increase to humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar. Some 6.3 million people continue to be impacted, with the withdrawal of USAID compounding urgency.
- An increase to Australia’s humanitarian intake of refugees from Myanmar.
- Application of diplomatic pressure to end the conflict and restore democracy.
It was a privilege to attend the Converge Conference,” reflects Andrew Duncan, NSW/ACT State Leader for Baptist Mission Australia, “to form new friendships with our Burmese brothers and sisters, hear stories of resilience, faith and hope, and express gratitude for the attentive listening of several key political leaders.”
Grace urges everyone to call it out when they see injustice in our world today.
“If you don’t take the step to call for justice, who will?” asks Grace, “you have to stand for others who cannot speak for themselves. People back in Burma don’t have that freedom – they’re confined by military pressures. We’re here where our government listens to our stories and our asks. So even if it’s daunting, it’s something we should all do.”
To find out more about how you or your church can get involved visit Stand with Myanmar.
