New Religious Law in Myanmar

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been described as a model for how a nation can move from military rule to democracy. However, this reputation is in jeopardy with its recent Religious Conversion Law.

According to the proposed legislation, if a someone converts to a new religion they must first obtain a permit, and official boards will be established to determine the validity of the requests for permits. These boards will have the power to accept or deny the requests and to determine if an applicant is exercising their own “free will.” A person applying for conversion, can be found “with the intent of insulting or destroying a religion,” and face up to two years in prison.

Approximately 89 percent of Burma’s population is Buddhist, with Muslims forced into living in camps in west Burma, and many Christian Believers taking refuge in Burma’s north. Burmese people must indicate their religion on their official Identity Card, which determines their rights.

Many domestic and international organizations condemn the new bill and say that the multiple steps of government approval needed to convert make this “practically impossible.” An alliance of 81 organizations have called on the government to “immediately scrap” the law on grounds that it impinges on human rights and,  according to Democratic Voice of Burma, “appears to legitimize the views of those promoting hate-speech and inciting violence against Muslims and other minorities,”

Burmese Christians are joining together to pray against the bill being passed into law and for a change of mindset for the government and president towards Christians and Muslim minority groups in Burma.

• pray for Christians in Burma, for unity of Spirit and courage to meet together to pray for their country.
• Pray for the Burmese government, for a change of heart and softening of attitude towards religious minority.
• Pray for the witness of Burmese Christians in their communities, that many Burmese will come to know Jesus.

Ephesians 6 vs 19: Pray also for me,(them) so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. (Italics mine)

Source: Windows International network, win1040.com