VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/6/22)—The American Baptist Churches Burma Advocacy Group calls for the immediate release of the Rev. Dr. Hkalam Samson, former General Secretary and President of the Kachin Baptist Convention.  Dr. Samson was forcibly detained by the military junta and secreted away. We fear for his safety and life while being unlawfully detained.  This is now the most recent in a string of attacks directed against the people of the Kachin State by the military junta.

Dr. Samson has been a key religious leader in Burma, working tirelessly with people of different faiths to promote religious liberty and tolerance.  For many years now, he has also been in the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance for those impacted by hostilities in the Kachin State.

We join our voices with those demanding his release and consider Dr. Samson to be in grave danger of torture.  We call upon the international community to work for his release.

American Baptist Churches USA has a longstanding relationship with the people of Myanmar and the Burma diaspora in the United States that includes prayers, support, and advocacy efforts. Since the military coup on February 1st 2021, the American Baptist Churches USA has strongly supported the release of all democratically elected leaders, humanitarian aid for Myanmar, and recognition of the National Unity Government. This latest detainment is a deplorable an unnecessary act. We urge all persons of authority to work for the release of Reverend Samson.

The Burma Advocacy Group is a sub-committee of Burma Refugee Commission.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.