The fertile delta of the Irrawady in the south contains a network of intercommunication canalsand nine principle river mouths. The Church in Burma, regardless of politics, ethnicity or religion, has suffered from more than 40 years of internal warfare and military oppression. Our brothers and sisters in Burma are suffering, along with the rest of their countrymen, under one of the most paranoid and brutal regimes in the world and few people know what is happening. The Catholic Church in Burma began in the 1500s, with further growth in the 1800s, and is still growing. As part of their divide and conquer strategy, the Military Government uses differences to stir up internal divisions and hatred.
Persecution is widespread, especially against ethnic minority believers.
Despite the weight of the oppression of the Military Government, the Church has continued to witness for Christ. In general, the Government has not allowed permanent foreign religious missions to operate since the mid-1960's, when it expelled nearly all foreign missionaries and nationalized all private schools and hospitals, which were extensive and were affiliated mostly with Christian religious organizations. In addition, the Government placed restrictions on speech, press, assembly, and movement, including freedom of religion. Religious activities and organizations of all faiths are not exempt. The Government has restrictions on freedom of expression and association.