American Baptists, historically, have a strong connection to the country, people, and ethnic groups of Myanmar, also known as Burma. Ann and Adoniram Judson were two of the first American missionaries to Burma, and their work with Luther Rice here in America led to the eventual creation of the Triennial Convention, now known as American Baptist Churches USA.
In Wisconsin, we currently have eight congregations who are Burmese, Chin, Karen, and other ethnic groups from Myanmar.
On November 24, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security revoked the Temporary Protected Status of people from Burma (Myanmar), effective this January. Despite the report given that evening, the State Department’s report contradicts DHS. There continues to be kidnapping, torture, and murder of ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians. Our Burmese, Karen, Chin, and other members of our congregations from Burma are at risk. Some of our pastors leading our congregations are at risk. This revocation affects our Baptist family here in Wisconsin.
On November 25, 2025, the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin distributed a letter to be sent to each congregation, which is below. Please pray, and prayerfully consider how you may act to help our siblings in Christ from Burma.
On January 23, 2026, a federal judge delayed the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Burma. We rejoice in this decision, and are grateful for the people of Burma in the U.S. that they have some reprieve. We continue to pray for justice for Burma (Myanmar) and are grateful for all who contacted their legislators and spoke up for our siblings in Christ.