“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 

On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck six regions across Myanmar. The devastating tremor has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. In response to this tragic event, the Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), in partnership with USPG, is making an official and urgent appeal for your support. The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon urges: 

Myanmar has multiple sufferings and I and the leadership of CPM have multiple pressures. Thank God for it. But please continue to pray for us. 

Across the country, over 3000 lives have been lost and many people are in urgent need of aid. These numbers continue to rise. Many survivors remain trapped under the rubble with the risk to life increasing as time passes by. People who have escaped immediate harm are struggling to find basic necessities for survival.  

Recent reports also indicate the destruction of 36 Anglican churches, including Christ Church cathedral in Mandalay. The response from the Church of the Province of Myanmar is centred around the Diocese of Mandalay and the Diocese of Taungoo, two regions where the damage is very severe. The magnitude of this crisis is overwhelming, and the Church of the Province of Myanmar and its dioceses cannot meet these urgent needs alone. 

The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon added:

Myanmar, including the CPM, is enduring immense hardships due to multiple challenges. However, as the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” In this spirit, we humbly and earnestly appeal to you for your support in aiding CPM’s relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of this devastating earthquake. Your contribution can serve as a beacon of hope and compassion for those in desperate need.

In 2001, the military led a coup that resulted into civil war – leaving over 3 million people internally displaced. The earthquake is therefore another significant hit to people who are already struggling to survive. During a recent solidarity visit to Myanmar, The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor was deeply moved by the strength and faith of the local Church.

Our time with the House of Bishops was very special. Each bishop described the reality on the ground and shared how our sisters and brothers have repeatedly demonstrated immense courage and humility in the face of many ongoing challenges. USPG is committed to standing together in solidarity, prayer and support with the Church of the Province of Myanmar.

USPG is supporting a church-led response based on updates from our partner, the Church of the Province of Myanmar. We invite you to join in prayer and to donate to our Rapid Response Fund.

Please join us in prayer:

O Lord, who stilled the waves and quieted the winds, who is the sure foundation of our church, and who is the small voice of calm that spoke through the earthquake, wind, and fire, have mercy on us.

When the very earth beneath our feet gives way, and swallows up countless, have mercy on us.

When the buildings around us collapse in a flash, and rubble is all that is left of our homes, have mercy on us.

When those we love and hold dear in life are snatched away in an instance, when uncertainty and fear are all that is in our hearts, and when all around is tragedy, have mercy on us.

For you alone are our Father of mercies and the God of all consolation. Comfort, o Lord, the families who now are gripped by terror in Myanmar and Thailand. Spare the innocent, and give strength to those who are still clinging on to life, awaiting rescue. Give hope to the responders and rescuers, that with every fibre of their arms they might give hope to those who are trapped. Send your Holy Spirit to all the people of Myanmar and Thailand, that they may come together in this time of trial, putting down past divisions, and do what ought to be done with one common purpose.

As the earth stops quaking, let our hearts yet be still and firm. Into your healing hands we entrust our path ahead. This we pray in the name of Christ, who is our comforter, our restorer, and our sustainer.

Amen.

By The Most Revd Andrew Chan, Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Western Kowloon