Baptist Pastor and Associate Executed by Myanmar Military

The Burma Research Institute and International Christian Concern have confirmed the deaths of Reverend William, a veteran Baptist pastor, and his associate, Nam Ceu. The two men were detained by the Myanmar military in May and reportedly killed on June 4. According to reports, the military accused them of supporting the Hakha Chinland Defense Force, an armed group resisting the junta that seized power in a 2021 coup.

Reverend William had served the Chungcung Baptist Church in Chin State for over 25 years. His congregation’s church building was previously looted and destroyed in October 2021, and the surrounding village has faced repeated military raids. A memorial service for the pastor was held on August 26 in Chungcung, attended by local residents and clergy. Reverend William is survived by his wife and five children.

Reverend Dr. Robin Stoops of the Burma Research Institute described the incident as an extrajudicial killing and called for international accountability. The conflict in Myanmar has intensified since the 2021 coup, particularly in Chin State, a region with a significant Christian population that has experienced widespread displacement and violence.