CCA expresses deep sorrow over Myanmar earthquake, calls for prayers and solidarity

Programme Review and Programme Direction

Two key deliberative sessions during the 15th CCA General Assembly are the Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions.

The Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions will both be conducted in three groups relating to the CCA’s programme areas, namely, (i) General Secretariat (GS), (ii) Mission in Unity and Contextual Theology (MU) and Ecumenical Leadership Formation and Spirituality (EF); and (iii) Building Peace and Moving Beyond Conflicts (BP) and Prophetic Diakonia (PD).

Assembly participants will have the option to join one of three groups for both the Programme Review and Programme Direction sessions. For the sake of coherence, the assigned group will remain the same for both sessions.

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat oversees the coordination of programmatic, administrative, and financial activities of the organization. The GS comprises various departments such as church and ecumenical relations, relations with ecumenical partners, finance, administration, and communications, which provide crucial support and services for the implementation of programs and contribute to the overall functioning of the CCA.

Programmes: Relations with member churches and councils, ecumenical partners; advocacy at the United Nations; ecumenical responses to emerging issues in solidarity; income development and finance; and communications.

Mission in Unity and Contextual Theology (MU) and Ecumenical Leadership Formation and Spirituality (EF)

Under the MU programme area, the CCA accompanies Asian churches to strengthen their mission and witness in multi-religious contexts, revitalise and nurture church unity and the Asian ecumenical movement, and develop contextual theological foundations.

Programmes: Asian Movement for Christian Unity (AMCU); Congress of Asian Theologians (CATS); Asian women doing theology in the context of wider ecumenism; contextualisation of theology in Asia and ecumenical theological education.

The EF programme area focuses on nurturing and developing ecumenical leaders in Asia. The programme aims to enhance spiritual formation and theological understanding, enabling people to actively engage in ecumenical dialogue and collaboration.

Programmes: Ecumenical Enablers’ Training in Asia (EETA); Asian Ecumenical Institute (AEI); Youth and Women Leadership Development; Ecumenical Spirituality and Nurturing of Contextual Liturgical Traditions; Asia Sunday

Building Peace and Moving Beyond Conflicts (BP) and Prophetic Diakonia and Advocacy (PD)

The BP programme area is dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation in Asia’s diverse contexts. Through training, advocacy, and dialogue, the programme addresses the root causes of conflicts, empowers communities, and fosters sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.

Programmes: Pastoral Solidarity Visits; Churches in Action for Moving Beyond Conflict and Resolution; Young Ambassadors of Peace in Asia (YAPA); Ecumenical Women’s Action Against Violence (EWAAV); Eco-Justice for Sustainable Peace in the Oikos.

The PD programme area focuses on promoting justice, human rights, and social transformation in Asia. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and raising awareness, the programme addresses systemic injustice, empowers marginalised communities, and advocates for prophetic actions and meaningful change.

Programmes: Human Rights advocacy; Migration, Statelessness, and Trafficking in Persons; Asian Ecumenical Disability Advocacy Network; Asian Advocacy Network on the Dignity and Rights of Children (AANDRoC); Ecumenical Solidarity Accompaniment and Diakonia in Asia (ESADA); Health and Healing; Good Governance; Action Together to Combat HIV and AIDS in Asia (ATCHAA).

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29 March 2025

Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

The earthquake, which originated 17 kilometres from the city of Mandalay, has caused extensive destruction. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with thousands more injured, according to Myanmar’s Army. Most fatalities have been reported in Mandalay—Myanmar’s second-largest city and the region closest to the epicentre.

“We grieve for the lives lost in this tragedy and pray for God’s comforting presence with the grieving families. Our hearts go out to the bereaved family members and all those who are suffering, especially those still missing or trapped. We pray for their swift rescue and for healing and strength for the injured,” said Dr Mathews George Chunakara.

Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest countries, is reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup. Weak infrastructure has left the nation ill-equipped to deal with natural disasters. Large parts of the country are controlled by militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The strained medical system, especially in rural areas, further complicates relief efforts.

The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar, reaching Kunming and Dali in China’s Yunnan Province and causing noticeable tremors in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Thailand has suffered losses, with at least 10 people confirmed dead and many more trapped under collapsed buildings, particularly in Bangkok, where the tremors triggered the collapse of an under-construction high-rise building.

The CCA General Secretary stated, “In this time of immense distress, we call upon all CCA member churches and councils to pray for the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and the surrounding regions. May God’s grace sustain them, and may rescue efforts bring timely relief and hope to those affected.”

The General Secretary urged CCA member churches and councils to mobilise financial and human resources to extend humanitarian aid and support to people in the affected areas. 

The earthquake, classified as a strike-slip event, struck at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres, amplifying its destructive impact. Reports indicate severe damage to infrastructure, with collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and widespread power outages across affected areas. Rescue operations are currently underway.

Please click here for the CCA General Secretary's update on CCA headquarters in Chiang Mai.