Six Christians Injured in Stoning of Christmas Service in Burma

A person of Kachin, a minority ethnic group in Burma.
A person of Kachin, a minority ethnic group in Burma. SOHU

Unidentified men last week stoned a house full of worshippers for an hour in a predominantly Buddhist village in Burma (Myanmar), injuring six people, sources said.

In Kanta Kawn Township, Magway Region in central Burma, 27 Christians were holding a Christmas worship service on Dec. 17 when at 8 p.m. stones began hitting them in Paw Lwe village, the homeowner told Morning Star News. Last year area Buddhists told Christian families to leave the village after a similar attack, he said.

U Wah Daw said that some stones damaged a wall of his home and injured the chest, back and hands of some worshippers, including the pastor.

"We were afraid and didn't make noise while they threw stones into my house," U Wah Daw told Morning Star News. "They threw stones at my house while we held prayer. My house has minor damages. I filed a lawsuit to police and let them handle the case."

The stones, which also landed in curries and meals, damaged motorbikes, furniture and dishes and plates.

Area Christians said attackers signaling each other threw stones at all sides of the house. They also broke into it and vandalized it, they said.

Injured back of Christian in Paw Lwe village, central Burma attacked on Dec. 17, 2018. (Morning Star News)

"We are investigating those who are suspected of involvement in the attack," said a police officer at Min Ywa police station. "We haven't arrested them so far. We know many got involved in the attack."

Aung San Myint, a lawmaker in Magway Region, told Burmese news outlet The Irrawaddy that the assailants must be brought to justice, as it is illegal to interfere with religious celebrations.

There are only four ethnic Chin Christian families in the predominantly Buddhist village, according to local residents.

Burma is about 80 percent Buddhist and 9 percent Christian.

The country is ranked 24th on Christian support organization Open Doors' 2018 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.