The killing of Pastor Dal Thawn Tuang is deepening fear among Christian communities in the area and heightening concerns over the safety of pastors and church leaders serving amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict.
Dal Than Tuang, assistant pastor of Lamzang Baptist Church, Chin State, was killed on 14 September 2026. Reports about his death differ. Residents say that escaped prisoners of war opened fire on civilians as they fled through Tedim Township, killing the pastor and injuring others. Other residents claim armed groups were responsible for his death.
The incident has created fear and tension among Christians living in the area, further diminishing the sense of security for pastors who travel to minister to communities across Chin State. In 2024-2025, Pastor Dal Thawn Thang also participated in leaders’ retreat and persecution preparedness training organised by Open Doors local partners.
Pastor Dal Thawn Tuang’s death is not an isolated incident. His case follows the disappearance and reported killing of Reverend Williams, a pastor from Chungcung village in Chin State. His fate was unknown for weeks after the military arrested him.
On 16 May 2026, the military in the Bago Region arrested Reverend William and another local man, Nam Ceu. The men were at a farm shelter about one mile from Chungcung village when soldiers arrived. Five people were there, but three escaped. Reverend William stayed, believing that his pastoral identification card would protect him. In Myanmar, pastors and other recognised religious leaders carry official identification cards acknowledging their role in society—documents that have traditionally afforded them a measure of respect and protection.
Reverend William and Nam Ceu have not returned home since then.
Christian leaders in Hakha repeatedly asked local military officials for news about the men. The authorities reportedly did not respond. Their families later concluded that both men had been killed in Thantlang on 3 June 2026.
Reports further allege that Reverend William was accused of supporting the Hakha Chinland Defense Force (CDF). This accusation is believed to have led to his killing. Despite persistent efforts by church leaders and family members to obtain answers, authorities provided no official information about his detention or fate.
Reverend William’s death is part of a wider pattern of violence against Christian leaders in Chin State. His case shows the growing danger for religious leaders and civilians in conflict areas of Myanmar. For many local believers, they did not only lose a pastor. They also lost a spiritual shepherd who stayed his community during a time of fear and uncertainty.
Growing Fear as Violence Continues
Since the 2021 coup, several pastors and Christian leaders have reportedly died at the hands of the military or in conflict-related violence. Pastor Cung Biak Hum was killed in Chin State in 2021. Pastor Om Kee was also killed in 2021, and Pastor Salai Ngwe Kyar was killed in 2025. Catholic priest, Saw Radi, was killed in Karen State in 2023.
Churches still face attacks, including air raids. Pastors and Christian workers feel increasingly unsafe and unprotected by the law. These attacks have deepened fear among pastors, missionaries, and evangelists, while narrowing the space for churches to minister freely to their communities.
Most people in Chin State are Christians. The state remains one of the areas hit hardest by the conflict. As military forces move to the Chin Hills, soldiers reportedly detain men in villages and force them to carry supplies. Some reports allege that soldiers have used civilians as human shields during military operations. These practices have spread fear and doubt throughout local communities.
Military operations have also badly damaged Chungcung village since the 2021 coup. The village is about 15 miles from Hakha, the capital of Chin State. About 300 households live there. Military units use the road through the village when travelling between Kalaymyo and Hakha. In recent years, military operations have reportedly destroyed or burned 118 homes. They have also killed 16 civilians and injured at least five others. Property owned by Chungcung Baptist Church has also been damaged or destroyed.
Armed conflict continues to threaten Christian pastors and church leaders in Myanmar. Their safety and well-being face growing risks. As the Myanmar military seeks to regain territories held by anti-military resistance groups, civilians increasingly find themselves in the crossfire. Military authorities also continue to impose forced conscription in areas under military control, leaving many young men and women vulnerable and separating countless families from their fathers, sons, and brothers.
As the violence continues, those responsible are rarely held to account. Christian communities across Myanmar are increasingly concerned about the safety of pastors, church workers, and civilians caught in a conflict they did not create.
Win Tin*, a local Open Doors partner, shares, “The situation in Myanmar is not showing signs of improvement, and the security situation is dire. Pastors and church leaders are thoroughly checked and interrogated at military checkpoints. We need prayers, encouragement, and courage to face the challenges ahead of us.”
*Name changed for security reasons.
Please pray:
- Pray for Pastor William’s family, that God will comfort them in their grief and surround them with His peace.
- Pray for the family and church members of Pastor Dal Thawn Thang, that they will be comforted as they grieve the loss of their father and leader.
- Pray for Christian pastors and leaders in Myanmar, that they will remain wise, humble, brave, and strong as they continue to serve their communities.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
