Christian leaders have condemned a military graduation ceremony reportedly held inside a Baptist church in Myanmar, describing the incident as a serious violation of religious freedom.
More than 400 members of the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), a militia allied with Myanmar's military, reportedly took part in the ceremony at Nant Mun Baptist Church in Nanmun Town, Kachin State, on September 23rd.
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the event took place inside the church sanctuary, with local reports alleging that militia members drank alcohol and danced in the building.
The ceremony was reportedly overseen by Major General Aung Zaw Htway, commander of the Myanmar military's Northern Regional Command.
The church is located in Mohnyin Township, an area affected by fighting which has forced many Kachin residents to flee their homes since early 2024.
Christian campaigners say the incident reflects wider concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Myanmar, where churches and Christian institutions have been damaged, destroyed or occupied during the country's continuing conflict.
CSW says places of worship across Chin, Kachin and Karen States have been targeted by airstrikes, artillery attacks and arson, while some religious buildings have reportedly been used for military purposes.
Rev Lakang Dau Qae, General Secretary of Kachin Baptist Churches USA, condemned the reported use of the church.
"The deliberate turning of a sacred house of worship, Nant Mun Baptist Church, into a military venue is a direct attack on freedom of religion or belief and an insult to Kachin Christians," he said in a statement shared by CSW.
He added that lasting peace could not be achieved while religious minorities continued to face persecution.
Rev Lakang also called on the international community, particularly the US State Department, to take stronger action over alleged religious freedom violations in Myanmar.
CSW's Founder President, Mervyn Thomas, described the reported incident as a serious abuse of religious freedom.
"Converting a sacred house of worship into a military venue accompanied by deliberate acts of disrespect inside the sanctuary is a grave violation of freedom of religion or belief," he said.
Mr Thomas accused Myanmar's military and allied militias of using religious buildings to intimidate minority communities.
He called for greater international accountability, including targeted financial sanctions against military commanders accused of having responsibility for such abuses.
CSW also renewed its appeal for countries to prevent the supply of weapons, military equipment and aviation fuel to Myanmar's armed forces.
The organisation urged continued support for the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, which gathers evidence of serious international crimes for potential use in legal proceedings.
