Samuel San Si Htay, Archbishop of Myanmar, recently visited the UK.
Here is what he had to say in a meeting with Crosslinks General Secretary Andy Lines . 

Everyone must submit himself
to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except
that which God has established.
Romans 13:1

Andy Lines: What does the Gospel of peace
mean in a country that has known only
war for 60 years?

Archbishop of Myanmar: Peace is more than
the absence of war. Believers in Myanmar
struggle between having a certain hope and
the forgiveness from Jesus and yet feeling
angry and resentful. Plus there are other issues
to ‘fight’ such as counselling those infected
with HIV/AIDS. Estimates say this could be up
to half a million people.

What barriers are there to the spread
of the Gospel?

The main barrier is that Christians do not preach
good news but are seen to be judgmental and
condemning of the lives of others. Buddhists
will listen and are open.

What are the challenges for churches
in a Buddhist country?

Many are converting to Christianity but we
must not underestimate the cost. Families may
disown Christian converts and new Christians
may not get the nurture they need. In mixed
marriages a Christian spouse will be respected
so long as the Buddhist is respected. Conversion
is difficult and staying together is vital.

How do the churches operate under
a repressive military regime?

By law we have freedom of worship, but often
this depends upon the relationship with the
local military commander. Sometimes these
officials are open if confronted courageously
and publicly but they react if any fear is shown.
At national level the different denominational
leaders try to approach the government with
a united front. The right attitude has to be the
one set out in Romans 13.

What challenges face people from ethnic
minorities coming to Christ?

Burmese, Buddhists and the military gain
preferential treatment in society. The greatest
hostility is between Burmese and Karen peoples.
The ethnic differences are more pronounced
among the older generations. Younger folk
have fewer preconceptions.

What opportunities exist for evangelical
ministry and Bible teaching?

Many believers have Bibles in relatively modern
form. Cell groups and housegroups are common.

What are the restrictions on fellowship
with foreign Christians?

The key issue for the government is one of
control but mass media is making that almost
impossible. Generally ‘purely’ mission activity
is seen as fine but foreigners who travel widely
are suspected of also gathering intelligence.

What is the current state of theological
education in Myanmar?

The Anglican churches are working on a vision
to extend every member ministry by 2020.
Currently full-time ministers do everything and
many church members are passive. Holy Cross
College in Yangon runs 3 and 4 year courses
for about 60 students. Academic standards are
high but there are low standards of spiritual
maturity and moral living. As a result not all
can be ordained.

How could Crosslinks get further involved
in Myanmar?

Historical links stretch back to 1924, but right
now we are looking forward to the School
of Biblical Training in January 2004 with Chris
Wright and yourself, Andy. We have invited
delegates from each Diocese, students from
Holy Cross College, others from Yangon and
from outside the Anglican churches.

Crosslinks magazine January 2004 index