Main languages spoken: Burmese, Shan, Arakanese
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a country in South East Asia that shares border with China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Laos. Since the military coup in 2021 that overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government, the country has faced a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite political uncertainty and restrictions, the Church continues to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. Since 1854, the relationship has been strengthened between USPG and The Church of the Province of Myanmar through mission, education, healthcare, and leadership development initiatives.
Anglican military and civil chaplains were stationed in Myanmar (Burma) from 1825 and with their encouragement the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG, now USPG) began work in 1854. The first national bishops, Rt Revd Francis Ah Mya, and Rt Revd John Aung Hla were consecrated in Calcutta in 1949. In 1966, following the forced departure of all missionaries, Bishop Francis became the first national diocesan bishop of Rangoon Diocese. In 1970, he was installed as the first Archbishop of the newly formed province.
“In Myanmar, it is difficult to share the Good News as Christians are a minority group. So, we do this through our outreach – providing healthcare and training teachers. Mission means sharing the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ through action, not only in preaching or telling the Gospel, but going into the field and serving the poor”.
The Rt Revd John Wilme, former Bishop of Toungoo Diocese
Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) across Asia are grappling with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-pandemic, the ownership of theological education, the need to contextualize curricula, and a renewed post-colonial consciousness. Additionally, they face external pressures such as political and economic instability, rising ethno-nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and ecological destruction.
In response, many deans, principals and other leaders from TEIs across Asia have joined with USPG for a space of interaction and exchange of expertise to enhance collaboration and resource-sharing. This initiative aims to strengthen inclusive leadership and improve institutional resilience and sustainability, fostering a transformed vision for leadership and the role of theological education in Asia.
This programme aims to provide education to children, teenagers, and adults in areas such as health, primary education, and theological studies, among others.
The Anglican Communion Day of Prayer, co-ordinated by USPG, took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consisting of 24 consecutive hours of prayer led by Christians all over the world, catch-up on the contribution from The Church of the Province of Myanmar