Myanmar pastor executed by junta forces

Rev. William

Myanmar’s military regime has executed a Baptist pastor in Chin State, deepening fears over religious persecution in the country.

Rev. William, who pastored Chungcung Baptist Church for more than 25 years, was arrested in May alongside fellow Christian Nam Ceu. Both men were accused of supporting the Hakha Chinland Defense Force, a local resistance group. According to the Burma Research Institute, William believed his pastoral ID card would protect him when soldiers arrived. Instead, he was detained and killed the following month.

His memorial service was held on 26 August, three months after his arrest. He leaves behind his wife and five children.

The execution highlights the junta’s ongoing campaign against Christian communities in Chin State since seizing power in 2021. Soldiers have killed at least 16 villagers, burned homes, and looted Chungcung Baptist Church, which was set ablaze in October 2021.

International Christian Concern condemned the killing, while Burma Research Institute president Zo Tum Hmung urged Washington to act to protect Myanmar’s persecuted Christians.

The case underscores the brutality of Myanmar’s military rule, where accusations of aiding resistance groups often lead to summary executions. For the country’s Christian minority, William’s death is a stark reminder of the risks faced under a regime that continues to target both faith and dissent.

-2026-09-02