Honest answers to the questions people ask most about Myanmar, the crisis, the church, and how to help.
These are the questions we hear most often. If you have one that isn't answered here, reach out — we are glad to talk.
Both names refer to the same country. The military government adopted "Myanmar" as the English name in 1989. Some democracy advocates continued using "Burma" because the change was made by an unelected regime. This site uses Myanmar, while using Burma when historical context or a source calls for it.
The military arrested elected leaders and seized control before the newly elected Parliament could convene. Citizens responded with mass civil disobedience and protest. Violent repression contributed to the growth of armed resistance. Read the dedicated page for the full account.
No, but the crises are connected through the military's long history of violence and impunity. In 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled military operations to Bangladesh. After 2021, military violence expanded across many other parts of the country.
She was arrested during the coup and sentenced by military-controlled courts following closed proceedings widely criticized as politically motivated. Because her health, location, sentence, and access can change, see News & Updates for current information.
Military violence affects people of many religions and ethnicities. Christian communities are especially exposed in several ethnic minority regions that have experienced intense conflict. Churches have been damaged, leaders harmed, and congregations displaced. Ethnic and religious identity often overlap, so the causes cannot always be separated neatly.
Not while official travel guidance and local security conditions make visits unsafe. Outside visitors could also create risk for local partners. Check current U.S. State Department guidance and contact SGM before planning any visit.
In 2005, our founder led a relief team to Thailand while serving as Missions Director at First Methodist Houston. The team met Burmese Christian leaders already caring for displaced people. Those relationships continued, and when SGM was founded in 2011, they became part of its ongoing work.
SGM raises awareness and resources in support of work led by indigenous Christian leaders. For security reasons, the public website does not disclose names, locations, routes, or operational patterns.
If something here didn't answer what you were looking for, reach out — we are glad to talk.