Ethnic rebels who closed more than 100 churches in eastern Myanmar (Burma) in 2018 have allowed many to reopen, sources said in late December.
Ethnic Wa rebels of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) announced they had permitted 51 Baptist churches to reopen in northern Shan state after investigating the congregations and their activities for 14 months. The review process is still underway for the remaining churches, according to UWSA officials.
At least ten church buildings were destroyed when UWSA troops closed the churches in September 2018 and detained more than 200 Christians, who were later released after investigation.