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Call for end of all hostilities in Myanmar

The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the air
strike upon Naungcho township and Naung Lin Village in the Northern Shan state, by military
aircraft under the State Administrative Council (SAC) of the military regime in Myanmar. This
attack that occurred just hours after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, that thus far has
claimed 2,886, injured 4,639 people and left 373 missing, is a flagrant violation of international
and humanitarian law, basic human rights and the sanctity of human life. We unequivocally
denounce this inhumane act as completely outrageous and unacceptable.

The APBF representing 65 member conventions across 22 Asia Pacific nations constituting over
40,000 local churches, is part of the Baptist World Alliance uniting over 47 million Baptists, in 126
nations worldwide. As a member of the Baptist World Alliance, the APBF stands for justice,
promotes peace, and respect for human dignity.

The SAC’s appeal for international humanitarian assistance while simultaneously carrying out air
strikes and attacks contradicts all norms of engagement and war. It is an outright dismissal of
humanitarian values and the very basis upon which donor nations provide this aid. It is imperative
that concrete steps be taken to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable and to
ensure the human rights of the people of Myanmar are upheld and protected.

Despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the rebels, the declaration of a temporary two-week
ceasefire during a mega disaster is merely tokenism. This clearly lacks the demonstration of
credible political will and intentionality to genuinely ease the immense suffering of Myanmar’s
people; already enduring untold hardship since the military takeover in Feb 2021.

We call upon Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander in chief of the military Junta, to
declare a ceasefire for as long as it is necessary as an expression of sincerity. And to halt all attacks
and airstrikes and uphold humanitarian principles and fundamental human rights.

We earnestly appeal to the international community and the United Nations to renew their efforts
in taking immediate and decisive action to restore democracy and ensuring humanitarian law is
respected in Myanmar. Pressure must be applied upon the SAC to desist from military action and
permit unhindered humanitarian assistance for as long as it is necessary to those affected.

We call upon nations with trade and diplomatic linkages with the SAC to exert renewed pressure
on the regime, ensuring that families and children of Myanmar can live in peace and security, free
from fear and oppression.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time and remain committed
to supporting them in their time of need as well as in their pursuit of justice, democracy, peace
and human rights.

We urge all our members and the global community to join in advocating against these atrocities
and in praying for the people of Myanmar as they seek an end to their suffering. We pray that
God will grant them strength and courage to persevere in their struggle for freedom and
democracy and the world may together seek to bring an end to their suffering.

3rd, April 2025
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation

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Press Releases - 04/03/2025

Pray for Myanmar - Thailand

Pray for Myanmar & Thailand - A Compassionate Call To Give

The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has caused widespread devastation, claiming more than 1,600 lives and leaving thousands injured.

The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) is actively responding to this disaster through local partners.

Donations can be directed to the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation’s Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will be used towards the immediate needs and recovery needs that include, medical aid. food rations, non-food items, water, and shelter material and clearing material.

Please indicate Myanmar Relief on your transfer advise.

Please go to www.apbf.org and click on donate now.

https://ecommerce.apbf.org/donation

You can also donate by bank transfer.
Beneficiary Name
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation

Bank Name
Westpac Banking Corporation

Beneficiary Bank Address
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Ltd
C/o Ministry and Learning Centre
Baptist Union of NSW
Level 4, 5 Saunders Close,
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113

BSB Number
036078

Beneficiary Account Number
781307

Beneficiary Bank SWIFT BIC Code
WPACAU2S

Your generosity will help provide essential aid to those in need during this critical time. We stand with Myanmar. We are stronger when we work together .

‘Together’ let us make a difference.

Press Releases - 03/31/2025

Emergency Relief Response

Press Releases - 09/12/2024

Urgent Call for Manipur!

Urgent Call for Action Statement of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation At the Molestation and Gang Rape of two Girls by Mob in Manipur!

We write with a heart that is heavy about a situation that we believe breaks the heart of God too.

The APBF which is constituted by 65 member conventions in 22 nations across Asia Pacific with over 40,000 members, part of the 47 Million Baptist among the Baptist World Alliance spread in 126 nations worldwide with 241 member bodies would like to express its profound outrage over the incident of rape and molestation that has come to light two months after it taking place; along with our deep concern over the ongoing situation of violence in the state of Manipur, India and the visible lack of political will to restore peace and bring this situation under control.

We wish to express our deep and profound outrage at the heinous and reprehensible act of molestation and gang rape committed against two tribal girls by a mob. This horrifying incident has shocked all of us to its core, and we cannot allow such atrocities to go unanswered. As APBF we stand for gender justice, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or background. The brutal assault on these young girls not only violates their fundamental human rights but also serves as an abomination to the principles upon which humanity is founded.

We must and cannot remain silent bystanders any longer, as our silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence and injustice; and eventually we who have stayed silent will risk our very lives too. Dr. Martin Luther King said it’s a double sin to remain silent for racism is a sin and to not speak up about racism is a sin. “There comes a time when silence is betrayal. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends…For evil to succeed, all it needs is for good men to do nothing”.

In the wake of this gruesome incident, it is imperative that regardless of our tribes and ethnicities as members of APBF we raise a united voice demanding immediate action from the government of India, the Supreme Court and its respected leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is time that we address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence and ensure that our justice system is equipped to deal effectively with such cases.

It is time for action, and therefore, we call upon the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take firm steps to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. We call upon the government and justice system to swiftly conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that all those responsible for perpetrating this heinous crime are brought to justice. We need to send a clear message that such barbaric acts will not be tolerated in our society. We urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act honorably and take strong and decisive actions against such acts of violence and go beyond the public condemnation of this dreadful incident.

Let us together be bold and fulfill our prophetic calling as a church to raise our voice on behalf of the people of Manipur and against all the violence that has gone on for the last two months. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for every individual, regardless of their gender or ethnicity. For just as scripture reminds us, we have been entrusted the ministry of reconciliation and conferred the Ambassadorial office of reconciliation. May we be models of that reconciliation in Christ.

We as APBF stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during this painful time, for the true measure of a society is how it protects its most vulnerable members.

May Justice Prevail!

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Photo Credit: BBC.com

Press Releases - 08/25/2023

Statement Calling for Calm and Restoration of Peace in Manipur

The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, constituting 65 member conventions in 22 nations across Asia Pacific and over 40,000 local churches, is part of the global Baptist community, which comprises 47 million members in 126 nations worldwide, represented by 241 member bodies. The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) is deeply concerned about the ongoing unrest and recent escalation of violence in Manipur, Northeast India. The reports of attacks on churches, sacred spaces, properties, and individuals are deeply troubling and a violation of fundamental human rights.

APBF believes that violence in any form is never a solution and only results in harm, loss of lives, and destruction of property. Therefore, we condemn all forms of violence and calls for an immediate cease to such activities. We urge all parties involved to engage in peaceful dialogue and find a non-violent resolution to their differences. The right to freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right, and any attack on places of worship, sacred spaces and individuals practicing their faith is unacceptable. We call upon all parties to respect the sanctity of sacred spaces and properties.

APBF urges the authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety and security of all individuals and all communities affected by this violence and to bring those instigating conflict and the perpetrators to justice.

We acknowledge the long-standing co-existence of different communities in Manipur and pray that the long-term grievances are suitably addressed in consultation with the people. We assure the people of Manipur of our prayers and support towards building a peaceful and inclusive society where every individual can live without fear or discrimination.

We call upon all citizens and groups of the society to engage in a reflective, constructive dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. Let us work together towards reconciliation and healing, and towards building a peaceful Manipur.

APBF

Press Releases - 05/05/2023