Let the Church rise not just in prayer but in prophetic voice

When the earth shook violently in western Myanmar, it did not only topple buildings — it exposed, yet again, the brokenness of a country crushed by dictatorship and violence.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, survivors emerged from beneath rubble only to face yet another terror: bombs from the sky.

As churches lie shattered by military airstrikes and civilians, including children and infants, are killed in cold blood, we must ask ourselves as Christians: Are we doing enough — not just to comfort, but to confront?

Myanmar is in crisis. But this is not merely the result of a natural disaster. It is a man-made catastrophe, perpetuated by a brutal military junta that has waged a relentless campaign of terror against its own people.

Even in the wake of natural calamities, the regime shows no restraint.

Airstrikes continue to rain down on civilian areas, deliberately targeting homes, churches, and schools. Houses of worship — once sanctuaries of peace — have become battlegrounds.

Pastors and congregants have been kidnapped, tortured, killed, or forcibly disappeared. Infants, children, and entire families have been mercilessly murdered.

On April 9, just days after a major earthquake shook the region, the military launched two deadly airstrikes on Mindat and Tedim Townships in Chin State. At least a dozen civilians were killed, including a local pastor and an eight-month-old baby — a tragedy that stands among the deadliest incidents in the surge of violence following the earthquake.

As if that were not enough, a third airstrike on April 13, Palm Sunday, devastated one of the largest churches in Mindat. Worshippers preparing for one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar found themselves under fire — yet another assault on faith, dignity, and humanity.

This is not collateral damage. It is targeted terror.

The people of Myanmar are enduring a dual nightmare: the aftershocks of a natural disaster and the continuing brutality of a regime that sees no boundaries in its war on civilians.

Since the earthquake struck, the regime has launched dozens of aerial bombing raids across the country, targeting civilian infrastructure and displaced communities. These attacks have resulted in scores of deaths and injuries, compounding the suffering of people who have already lost homes, loved ones, and any semblance of safety.

The military’s cruelty knows no bounds, and the international community’s response remains dangerously insufficient.

As Christian communities in the region and around the world offer heartfelt prayers, we remain deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and humanitarian aid. These gestures have saved lives and reminded the people of Myanmar that they are not forgotten.

But we must be honest: aid alone will not save Myanmar. Charity without justice is not enough. As Jesus taught us, we are not only to bind wounds, but also to liberate captives and challenge injustice at its roots.

This is why we place hope in the legal action taken in the Philippines, where survivors of the junta’s crimes — Christians from Chin State — have filed a Universal Jurisdiction case seeking justice.

This case is not merely symbolic; it is a bold, concrete step toward accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

We are uplifted by the unwavering support we have received from one of the country’s leading cardinals, who affirmed the Church’s moral responsibility to speak out and act.

We now urge the Philippine Department of Justice to formally take up the case.

The Philippines, a Christian-majority nation with a constitutional commitment to human rights, can lead the way in upholding justice in Southeast Asia. Doing so would send a powerful message to the perpetrators in Myanmar — and to victims everywhere — that there is no safe haven for war criminals.

But as we fight for justice, we must also remain vigilant.

We caution faith-based organizations and humanitarian actors against legitimizing the junta by engaging with it or delivering aid that strengthens its grip on power. We must ensure that our compassion is not weaponized.

Aid without accountability is like pouring water into sand — it does not rebuild; it enables. The root cause must be addressed: a brutal, illegitimate regime that sustains itself by violating every moral and legal norm.

Christian communities must not be content with being only good Samaritans. We are called to do more. The teachings of Christ compel us to stand with the oppressed, to challenge the unjust, and to walk with the wounded — not only to tend to them, but to help them rise.

Our mission is not only to save lives, but to defend their dignity. Not only to heal, but to free.

We must support those who resist tyranny — the pro-democracy forces and ethnic communities courageously standing for freedom and federalism. These are our brothers and sisters in faith.

To strengthen them is to strengthen hope. To ignore them is to betray the Gospel.

This is a call to action. Let the Church rise not just in prayer but in prophetic voice. Let Christian lawyers, lawmakers, pastors, and parishioners raise the banner of justice. Let us not waste this moment with half-measures. Let us honor the lives lost under rubble and in bombed-out churches — not with silence, but with courage.

The people of Myanmar cry out. Let our faith answer.

*Salai Za Uk Ling is the executive director of Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.