Burma Refugee Commission

The Burma Refugee Commission is a joint effort coordinated out of the ABCUSA Office of General Secretary which includes representatives of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, International Ministries, the Regional Executive Ministers Council, Burmese Baptist Churches USA, Chin Baptist Churches USA, Chin Baptist Association of North America, Kachin Baptist Churches USA, Kachin American Baptist Association, and Karen Baptist Churches USA.

Call to Prayer for Myanmar

On this page, you will find documents and links to sources through which you can learn more about the American Baptist relationship with the people from Myanmar and the current sociopolitical situations in Myanmar. We also provide prayer and worship resources that individuals and faith communities can use in their homes, church meetings, and worship services that we hope will assist you in centering God in your desire and efforts to discern your Christian witness amidst these challenging times.

Starting in the month of March, 2021, we ask that you consider setting aside time(s) to lift up prayers individually or collectively, and to also consider ways you can serve as an action of your support in the coming weeks and months. While there is no designated day, we highlight that the World Day of Prayer falls on Friday, March 5 this year.

A Brief History of the Relationship Between ABCUSA and Myanmar

Updates shared by ABCUSA

We held an open special Prayer Service in January 31, 2023 in observance of the two-year anniversary of the military coup in Burma. Learn more here.
Following advocacy from the Burma Advocacy Group, a sub-committee of Burma Refugee Commission, and many others, the Burma Bill was passed by the Senate and signed into law in December 2022.
A worshop was led by Burma Refugee Commission members at the World Council of Churches event in Karlsruhe, Germany, in September 2022. Learn more here.
The Burma Advocacy Group launched two signature campaigns in 2022 asking American Baptist pastors, leaders, congregations, and individuals to sign a letter which was automatically sent to their respective State Senators to advocate for the passing of the Burma Bill. The ongoing military attacks on the people of Burma were heightened by recent airstrikes on the Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State and others. You may learn more here: Burma Advocacy Group.
Burma Advocacy Group Letter to Pastors – March 1, 2022
Pray and Act for Burma – February 2022
Special Prayer Service in Observance of One-Year Anniversary of Military Coup in Burma – February 1, 2022
Prayer For Burma – February 1, 2022
Prayer for the Children of Burma – February 1, 2022
Burma Refugee Commission Report to the Board – June 3, 2021
Running List Prayer Request Updates
April 2021 Commission Update

Calls to Action and How Others Are Responding

Worship and Prayer Resources

Learn More About the Current Myanmar Situation

Burma Act 2021 Advocacy Update
Congress Sends Warning to Burma’s Oppressive Military Junta
Information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar) – English, Karen, and Burmese. The application period runs from May 25-November 22, 2021. [The designation period for Burma runs from May 25, 2021 – November 25, 2022.]. Applications can be found here.
A perspective on current situation: Ma Pwint Htun, Harvard Ash Center Fellow in the Myanmar Program
2021 Myanmar Statements and Correspondence