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The Anglican Church is growing in Myanmar (also known as Burma) thanks to the outreach of dedicated catechists [lay ministers].
In Sittwe Diocese, 345 new Anglicans were confirmed recently following visits to 14 villages.
Taking part in the tour was the Rt Revd James Min Dein, Bishop of Sittwe, who said: ‘By the grace of God we are healthy and working for his mission. God’s word is working. I believed that God gives us the blessing and challenge for his mission. We are very proud and praise the Lord.’
In a country that is 90 per cent Buddhism, the government permits Christian churches to meet for worship, but other activities require official permission. There are approximately 42,000 Anglicans in an estimated population of 48.3 million in Myanmar.
Bishop James and his colleagues in Sittwe are now planning further visits to help disciple the new believers.
‘We plan to visit and encourage them very soon,’ he said. ‘We will teach about Anglicanism and the Christian life.’
Poor access to education and healthcare
The villages visited by the diocese are small-scale farmers. They have little access to education and healthcare, so the Anglican Church is supporting these communities through schools and clinics.
USPG Project 436 is helping to support church leaders in Sittwe, Hpa-an and Mandalay Dioceses by helping to fund training programmes, where ordained clergy and lay leaders are taught theology and pastoral care.
The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar, commented: ‘The Church of Myanmar is trying to be the church for others, and not be self-seeking. There is the call to do mission with unconditional love.’
USPG has been working in partnership with the Church in Myanmar since 1853. In 2009, USPG sent £82,000 to support the work of the church. This work includes:
Posted on 29.04.2010
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